Chapter 105 EMERGENCY HEARING
Lucian’s Pov
I received an urgent call from the tribunal chairman at six in the morning telling me they were granting an emergency preliminary hearing due to Asher's declining medical condition. The hearing would take place that afternoon instead of waiting the full two weeks.
I immediately called Celestia to tell her the news.
"The hearing is today? Already?" Celestia asked and she sounded shocked.
"Yes. The tribunal reviewed the medical reports from Asher's doctors and determined that waiting two more weeks could put his health at serious risk. They want to address immediate custody arrangements as soon as possible," I said.
“What does this mean? Will they give me custody today?” Celestia asked.
Her voice trembled despite her effort to sound composed, and she clutched her hands together like an anchor. Hope and fear warred in her eyes as she searched our faces for reassurance. The tribunal’s silence felt unbearable, stretching each second thin. This decision could finally reunite her with her son—or delay everything again—and the uncertainty was almost cruel.
"I do not know. This is just a preliminary hearing to address emergency measures. They might grant supervised visitation or temporary custody while the full case proceeds. But it is a good sign that they are taking his declining health seriously," I said.
"I need to see him, Lucian. Even if it is just supervised visits. I need to be with him," Celestia said.
"I know. Get ready and meet me at the tribunal building in two hours. We need to prepare," I said.
Two hours later we were in a conference room at the tribunal going over our strategy with Attorney Sarah. She had prepared additional medical evidence showing how dramatically Asher's condition had worsened over the past two weeks.
Charts and scans were spread across the table, each one painting a grimmer picture than the last. Declining blood counts, increased transfusion frequency, notes about his withdrawal and refusal to eat. Seeing it laid out so clinically made my chest ache. This was no longer just a legal battle; it was a race against time to save him.
"The medical experts are prepared to testify that Asher is suffering from severe attachment trauma. His refusal to eat and cooperate with treatments is a direct result of being separated from his biological mother. They will recommend immediate reunification for both psychological and medical reasons," Attorney Sarah said.
"What will Raphael's lawyers argue?" I asked.
"They will likely argue that Raphael has been Asher's father for five years and that sudden separation would be traumatic for the child. They will say that even though Celestia is the biological mother, disrupting the only parental relationship Asher has ever known could cause more harm than good," Attorney Sarah said.
"But Asher wants to be with me. He has made that very clear," Celestia said.
"Yes, and we will emphasise that. We will argue that Asher is old enough to express his preferences and those preferences should be taken into account. But the tribunal will ultimately decide based on what they think is best for the child regardless of what he wants," Attorney Sarah said.
"That does not seem fair. He should get a say in who he lives with," Celestia said.
"In an ideal world yes. But the tribunal's job is to protect children even from their own choices sometimes. They will want to make sure that reuniting you with Asher is actually in his best interest and not just what he thinks he wants," Attorney Sarah said.
We walked into the tribunal chamber and I saw it was packed with people. Pack members from Brazen Pack had come to watch the hearing. Other Alphas and Lunas from neighbouring territories were there as observers. The media were there taking notes.
This case had become huge news. Everyone wanted to see what would happen.
Raphael was already seated at the defence table with his lawyers. He looked tired and defeated. When he saw Celestia enter the room his expression became even sadder.
The tribunal judges entered and everyone stood. There were five judges for this hearing including the chairman. They took their seats and the chairman called the hearing to order.
"We are here today for an emergency preliminary hearing regarding custody of the minor child known as Asher also called Jaxon. Due to medical concerns about the child's declining health, we are addressing immediate custody arrangements before the full hearing scheduled for next week. The petitioner may present their case," the chairman said.
Attorney Sarah stood up and began presenting our evidence. She called the first medical expert to testify.
Dr. Marcus Hill was a child psychologist who had reviewed Asher’s medical records and conducted a brief evaluation of him. He took the stand and was sworn in.
He adjusted his glasses and glanced briefly toward us before addressing the tribunal, his expression grave and professional. In calm, measured tones, he explained Asher’s emotional regression, describing clear signs of trauma, abandonment anxiety, and attachment confusion. Each word felt heavy, confirming what we already feared but hoped was not true.
"Dr Hill can you explain your findings regarding Asher's current psychological state?" Attorney Sarah asked.
"Yes. Based on my review of his records and my evaluation I have concluded that Asher is suffering from severe attachment trauma. He has been separated from his biological mother since birth and that separation has caused significant emotional and psychological damage," Dr Hill said.
"Can you explain what attachment trauma means?" Attorney Sarah asked.
"Attachment trauma occurs when a child is separated from their primary caregiver during critical developmental periods. In Asher's case, he was separated from his biological mother when he was only minutes old. Even though he has been raised by Alpha Raphael and Luna Medea his unconscious mind recognizes that something is missing. That trauma has manifested in various ways including emotional withdrawal, difficulty forming relationships, and now a refusal to eat or cooperate with medical treatments," Dr Hill explained.
"What is your professional recommendation for treating this trauma?" Attorney Sarah asked.
"My recommendation is immediate reunification with his biological mother Celestia. The trauma Asher is experiencing can only be healed by restoring the bond that was broken. Every day that passes without that reunification causes additional harm," Dr Hill said.
"Thank you, Dr Hill. No further questions," Attorney Sarah said.
Raphael's lawyer stood up to cross-examine.
"Dr Hill is it not true that sudden changes can also be traumatic for children? That removing Asher from the only home he has ever known could cause additional stress?" the lawyer asked.
"That is a valid concern. However, in this case, the trauma of continued separation outweighs the stress of transition. Asher has already met his biological mother and formed a connection with her. He has expressed a clear desire to be with her. Honoring that desire and reuniting them will ultimately be less traumatic than forcing him to remain separated," Dr Hill said.
"But you cannot guarantee that can you? You cannot promise that reuniting them will not cause problems?" the lawyer asked.
"No medical professional can guarantee outcomes. But based on my expertise and experience I am confident that reunification is the best course of action for this child," Dr Hill said.