Let Them Kneel (kaelani and Julian) novel Chapter 89

Julian’s voice was steady. “Understood.”

Jace nodded beside him. “Understood.”

The elder leaned forward slightly, gaze like a blade. “Furthermore, should either of you become aware of the whereabouts of the fugitive—now officially registered as Kaelani Blake of the Silveredge Pack—you are to report it to this Council immediately.”

“Agreed,” Jace said quickly.

“Of course,” Julian answered, the lie burning on his tongue.

He’d say whatever they wanted to hear. Right now, all that mattered was getting the hell out of this place and finding her. His mate. His reason for standing still while the world tried to crush him.

The Elder’s voice echoed through the chamber, resonant and final.

“This trial is hereby dismissed.”

At once, two guards stepped forward and hoisted Julian and Jace to their feet. The sound of metal unlocking rang out as the cuffs around their wrists were released. Jace flexed his hands, silent. Julian remained still, eyes already drifting toward the Council’s elevated seats.

Their parents moved in, relief etched into every step. Julian’s mother reached for him, but he stepped past her, walking with measured purpose toward the Elder still seated at the center of the Council.

He stopped just before the dais.

“I need a moment with Garrick.”

The Elder slowly removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply.

“You have no business with Alpha Garrick,” he said, tone sharp with fatigue. “He will face his own trial very soon.”

Julian opened his mouth to protest, but before the words could come, a commanding voice cut through the chamber.

“The Elder is absolutely right.”

Alpha James appeared beside him, posture stiff and authoritative. He offered a shallow bow to the Council.

“Thank you for your time, your diligence, and your commitment to justice.”

Without sparing Julian a glance, he placed a firm hand on his shoulder and began guiding him away.

“Let’s go.”

As they walked, James leaned in, his voice low but biting.

“Keep moving. Keep your mouth shut. You’re lucky you’re walking out of here, Julian.”

Julian bristled. His fists curled at his sides, fury simmering just beneath the surface. But he didn’t resist. Not here. Not now. He wouldn’t give the Council another excuse to lock him back in a cell.

“Questions?” James scoffed. “About what? That woman? That fugitive?”

Julian didn’t respond, but the flicker in his eyes gave him away.

James let out a cold laugh. “Unbelievable. She’s got your head all twisted. You’ve lost your damn mind over her. You have no idea how many strings I had to pull to get you out of there. Both of you,” he said, gesturing at Jace, who sat silently across from them. “You think the Council just let this slide? I had to call in favors from Alphas I haven’t spoken to in over a decade. I also had to convince the council that you were lying. That you panicked. That you blurted out something reckless just to stall.”

James’s voice dropped to a low, dangerous tone. “Do you have any idea how serious a claim that is? To say someone’s your mate?”

Julian’s head snapped toward him.

“I wasn’t lying about that.”

The car went still. Even the hum of the engine seemed to fade for a beat.

Jace blinked. “Wait—what?”

Julian looked his friend square in the eyes. “Kaelani is my mate.”

Stunned silence.

James sat back, momentarily struck dumb.