Chapter 103 BOADER CAMP
Celestia’s Pov
I set up my camp right at the border of Brazen Pack territory where everyone could see me. Lucian had sent a large tent and camping equipment and supplies to last for weeks if necessary. Crane was with me to provide security and keep me company.
The tent faced toward the pack house so I could see it in the distance. Somewhere in that building was Asher and knowing he was so close but still out of reach was torture. But I refused to leave. I was going to stay here until the custody hearing and make sure everyone knew I was fighting for my son.
Curiosity mixed with caution in their eyes as they edged closer, whispering among themselves. Some glared, others watched with wary hope, trying to gauge my intentions. I could feel the weight of their scrutiny pressing down, every step I took measured and deliberate. The tension in the air was almost tangible, thick enough to cut with a knife. I held my ground, meeting their gazes, determined to show that this was about truth, not spectacle.
Whispers turned into murmurs of agreement and disbelief as they processed my presence. Every small movement I made seemed magnified under their watchful eyes, and I could sense their hearts beating faster, mirroring the uncertainty and anticipation in the air. It was a delicate balance—one wrong step, one misread glance—and the fragile trust we were rebuilding could shatter completely.
"Luna Celestia is it true? Was everything we heard about you being framed really true?" an older woman asked.
"Yes. It is all true. Eclipse paid Dr Lake to lie and falsify records so she could take my son from me. I have been trying to get him back for five years," I said.
"We are so sorry. Many of us suspected something was wrong but we were afraid to speak up. We should have done more to help you," the woman said.
"It is okay. I do not blame the pack members. You were lied to just like everyone else," I said.
Their presence was overwhelming, a wave of relief and warmth crashing over me. People I never expected reached out with gentle words, small gestures that carried enormous meaning. Hands shook mine, arms wrapped me in brief but sincere hugs, and soft murmurs of “we trust you” filled the air. Even those who had doubted me five years ago now seemed humbled, their eyes reflecting shame, regret, and a newfound respect. I felt… whole, finally supported.
The pile kept growing as the sun began to set, a testament to the pack’s collective care. Blankets were folded neatly on top, baskets of fresh fruit and baked goods tucked beside jars of honey and dried meats. A small stack of books leaned against a crate, each one clearly chosen with thought. Even a few handmade trinkets and toys for Asher had been left. I stood there, stunned, my chest swelling with gratitude and disbelief at their generosity and trust.
"You have quite the support system," Crane said as he helped me organize the supplies.
"I did not expect this. I thought they would hate me or be afraid to associate with me," I said.
"They know the truth now. And they feel guilty for not standing up for you before. This is their way of making amends," Crane said.
On the second day Nurse Anna came to see me. She approached the border looking nervous and kept glancing back toward the pack house like she was afraid of being seen.
Her steps slowed as she reached the boundary, hands clasped tightly in front of her. She lowered her voice when she spoke, eyes darting again toward the distant buildings, as if expecting someone to appear and stop her. The tension in her posture told me this visit wasn’t official—it was personal, and whatever she had come to say carried risk.
"Luna Celestia I cannot stay long but I wanted to give you an update on Asher," Nurse Anna said.
"How is he? Is he okay?" I asked immediately.
"His health is stable but he is not doing well emotionally. He knows you are here. He can see your tent from his window. He asks about you constantly and wants to know when he can see you," Nurse Anna said.
"Can you tell him I am fighting for him? Can you tell him I am not leaving until I get him back?" I asked.
"I will tell him. He will be happy to know you are so close. It gives him hope," Nurse Anna said.
"Is anyone treating him badly? Is Medea or Raphael being cruel to him?" I asked.
"No nothing like that. But they are not giving him the attention he needs. Alpha Raphael is busy dealing with the pack crisis and Luna Medea stays in her chambers most of the time. Asher is alone a lot," Nurse Anna said.
Every step toward him felt like it took years. My chest ached with longing, my arms ached to wrap around him, and my mind raced with every memory of the little boy I had missed for five long years. I could almost hear his small breaths, feel the warmth of his skin against mine. The thought that he was alone, maybe scared, while I was just a few steps away, tore at me like a physical pain, sharp and unrelenting, making every heartbeat echo with guilt and desperate need.
"Please tell him I love him. Tell him I think about him every minute of every day. Tell him mama is coming for him soon," I said.
"I will tell him. He will want to hear that," Nurse Anna said.
She left quickly before anyone saw her talking to me. I was grateful she was willing to risk her job to give me updates on Asher.
Days passed and I maintained my vigil at the border. I spent my time reading and writing letters to Asher that I hoped to give him someday. Crane kept me company and made sure I was safe. Pack members continued to visit and bring supplies.
On the fifth day Nurse Anna came back looking worried.
"Luna Celestia I need to tell you something. Asher is not eating. He has stopped cooperating with his treatments. The doctors are concerned because his health is declining," Nurse Anna said.
"Why is he not eating? Is he sick?" I asked.
"No. He is refusing to eat because he is upset. He says if he cannot be with you then he does not want to do anything. The doctors have tried to encourage him but he will not listen," Nurse Anna said.
I felt panic rising in my chest. Asher was already fragile and sick. If he stopped eating and cooperating with treatments his health could deteriorate quickly.
"I need to see him. I need to tell him to eat and take care of himself," I said.
"Alpha Raphael will not allow you on pack lands. I have asked but he refuses," Nurse Anna said.
His eyes softened, and he nodded slowly. “I can do that,” he said, his voice gentle but steady. “I’ll tell him exactly what you said. He’ll understand, and he’ll listen to you, even if you’re not here. I’ll remind him to take his medicine, eat well, and be brave. He’ll know it’s from you, and he’ll feel your love.”
A fragile hope bloomed in my chest, and I swallowed hard, holding back tears as I imagined him hearing my words and feeling a connection to me despite the distance.
“I will tell him. I will do everything I can to encourage him. But Luna Celestia, you should know that the doctors are very worried. If he continues refusing food and treatment, they may have to take more aggressive measures,” Nurse Anna said.
Her words hit me like ice water. My hands clenched at my sides as fear surged, sharp and suffocating. The idea of him being forced, frightened, hurting—alone—was unbearable. I nodded, forcing myself to stay steady, but inside I was unraveling. I needed him to hold on just a little longer. I needed time.
"What kind of measures?" I asked.
"They may have to put him on IV nutrition. They may have to sedate him to administer treatments. Things that will be traumatic for him. We are all hoping it does not come to that," Nurse Anna said.
"Please tell him I am here. Tell him I can see his window from my tent. Tell him to look out and wave to me. Maybe if he knows I can see him it will help," I said.
"I will tell him. I promise," Nurse Anna said.