Let Them Kneel (kaelani and Julian) novel Chapter 91

The trees thinned as they crossed the old threshold into Blackthorn territory, the familiar scent of pine and ash settling like ghosts on Julian’s skin. He hadn’t been home in a week, but it already felt foreign. Too quiet. Too steeped in judgment.

The gates opened for them.

No fanfare. No welcome. Just the groan of iron and the weight of eyes watching from the shadows.

By the time the vehicle rolled to a stop outside the packhouse, the moon had climbed high, casting the manor in a wash of silver. Julian stepped out first, his boots crunching against gravel with a heaviness that matched the churn in his gut. The others followed, silent.

“You’ll both rest tonight,” James said at last, his voice clipped but tired. “At first light, we’ll convene in the Hall of Vows.”

Julian gave a slight nod. He hadn’t forgotten the rite—only tried not to think about it. That ancient hall had borne witness to every oath passed through their bloodline. Of course it would witness his surrender.

“The Council will send an official,” Elias added, “to confirm the rite and ensure neither of you retains authority over the pack.”

Jace exhaled sharply through his nose but stayed silent.

“It’s not just a few words you’ll recite,” James went on. “The ritual drains every ounce of hold you have. You’ll feel it in your bones. In your blood. It severs your link to the land—and to the wolves who once followed you. That kind of separation comes at a cost.” His gaze shifted to Julian. “It’s painful. Exhausting. But necessary.”

Vanessa reached out and rested a hand on her son’s arm. “Get some sleep,” she said softly. “Your body will recover—but it may take days before you feel whole again.”

The moment they stepped through the doors of the Blackthorn packhouse, Julian’s voice cut into Jace’s mind, sharp with frustration.

“I don’t have time to recover from the ritual.”

Jace didn’t miss a beat.

“That’s why we’re skipping it.”

Julian halted in the corridor.

“Skipping it?” His jaw clenched. “When the Council comes sniffing around and realizes we left without formally handing our titles back—”

Jace folded his arms, calm as ever.

“Then we’ll deal with it. But your father holding off the ritual until morning works in our favor. Right now, you’re still Alpha. You can walk out of here. But if you go through with the rite, what’s to stop your father from Alpha ordering you to stay on pack lands?”

Julian exhaled sharply through his nose. He hated it—but Jace was right. If he completed the rite, he’d be bound by whatever terms his father set. Stripped of his title, yes—but also of his power. His leverage. And worse, he’d be forced to obey.

“Then we’re not just dodging our fathers,” Julian muttered. “We’ll be fugitives in the Council’s eyes.”

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