Let Them Kneel (kaelani and Julian) novel Chapter 243

Chapter 243

Crystal chandeliers blazed overhead, their light reflecting off polished stone floors and long banners bearing the Silveredge sigil. Garlands of evergreen and moonflowers wound along the pillars, their fragrance soft but constant, blending with the warmth of wine and savory meats carried through the air. Music filled the vaulted ceiling in rich, sweeping melodies, strings and drums weaving together in celebration.

This was the hall Kaelani had once stood outside of as a girl.

She remembered watching through those tall arched windows during mating balls she had never been permitted to attend. She had watched wolves in silks and jewels pass beneath those chandeliers, laughter spilling into the courtyard while she remained unseen.

Tonight, she did not stand beyond the glass.

Tonight, she stood at the center of it all.

Guests from Blackthorn and Silveredge filled the hall in equal measure, mingling freely beneath music, laughter, and celebration. Even the Unseelie forces stood stationed along the edges of the room, their presence disciplined but no longer

distant.

And at the heart of the hall, beneath the largest chandelier, Kaelani danced with her fated mate.

Julian’s hand rested securely at the small of her back, drawing her close as they moved in slow, deliberate rhythm to the music. Her fingers curled into his shoulder as they turned across the floor, the fabric of her gown whispering against polished stone.

They smiled at one another often, laughter slipping between them in quiet bursts as they spoke through their mindlink.

Near the edge of the Great Hall, Elara sat at a banquet table, her posture composed but her attention fixed across the room. Brielle sat beside her, elegant as ever, her expression carefully indifferent to the revelry around them.

Elara’s gaze followed the two Alphas as they moved across the dance floor, their closeness effortless. They looked unburdened.

Untouchable.

Happier than ever.

She lifted her glass and took a long swallow of wine, the burn welcome as it slid down her throat. When she set the glass back onto the table, she leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the white tablecloth.

“Mother,” she said quietly, still watching the dance floor, “do you believe in karma?”

Brielle did not immediately look at her. She lifted her own glass with languid disinterest.

“Karma is a convenient myth for people who need to believe the universe keeps score,” she replied coolly. “It does not.”

“So you don’t think that the bad things people do can one day come back and bite them in the ass?”

Brielle’s gaze flicked toward her briefly, unimpressed.

Brielle drained the rest of her wine in one measured swallow and placed the empty glass on the table with quiet finality.

“When you discover the answers to those questions,” she said flatly, rising from her seat, “you may inform me.”

She smoothed her gown.

“I am going to bed.”

Without another word, Brielle walked away from the table and disappeared into the corridor leading deeper into the hall.

Elara remained seated, staring at nothing in particular. The celebration continued around her, but it felt distant now, muffled beneath the weight of her own conflicted thoughts.

The music swelled to its final note before tapering into a lingering chord, and the hall erupted in applause as Julian and Kaelani completed their first dance. Laughter and cheers followed them as they made their way bac