Chapter 107 PREMILINARY RULING
Celestia’s Pov
Asher was taken out of the courtroom. The tribunal judges deliberated for almost an hour. Lucian and I sat at our table waiting and I could barely breathe from the anxiety. Attorney Chen tried to reassure me that Asher's testimony had been very powerful but I was too nervous to feel confident.
Finally, the judges returned to their seats and Judge Morrison prepared to deliver the ruling.
"This tribunal has considered all the evidence and testimony presented today. We have reviewed the medical reports, heard from expert witnesses, and listened to the child himself express his preferences. This is an unusual and difficult case that requires us to balance multiple important factors," Judge Morrison said.
My heart was pounding so hard I thought everyone could hear it.
"On one hand we have Alpha Raphael who has raised this child for five years and formed a bond with him. Disrupting that relationship could cause trauma and instability for the child. On the other hand, we have compelling DNA evidence proving that Celestia is the biological mother and that the child was taken from her through fraud and conspiracy. We also have medical testimony showing that the child's health is declining due to separation from his biological mother," Judge Morrison continued.
"Get to the point," I whispered under my breath.
Lucian squeezed my hand and I tried to stay calm.
"After careful consideration, this tribunal is issuing the following preliminary ruling. Celestia is granted supervised visitation rights effective immediately. She will be allowed daily visits with the child for a minimum of four hours per day. These visits will take place in a neutral location with medical staff present to monitor the child's wellbeing," Judge Morrison said.
Supervised visitation. Not full custody but it was something. It was more than I had before.
"The visitation will continue while we proceed with the full custody hearing scheduled for next week. At that time we will make a final determination regarding permanent custody arrangements. However, we want to emphasise that the child's health and well-being are our primary concerns. If the supervised visitation shows positive results we will consider that during the final hearing," Judge Morrison said.
"This tribunal also notes that Alpha Raphael has indicated he will not contest the custody petition. While we appreciate his cooperation we still must ensure that any custody arrangement is in the best interest of the child. Therefore we will proceed with the full hearing as planned," Judge Morrison continued.
He looked directly at me.
"Celestia we understand how difficult these past five years have been for you. We recognise that you have been separated from your child through no fault of your own. This preliminary ruling is designed to begin the reunification process while still ensuring the child's safety and stability. We expect you to use this visitation time wisely to rebuild your relationship with your son," Judge Morrison said.
"I will. Thank you, your honor," I said and my voice was shaking.
"The first supervised visitation is scheduled for tomorrow at ten in the morning at the neutral medical facility adjacent to this building. Medical staff will be present and a child psychologist will observe the interactions. Any questions?" Judge Morrison asked.
"No, your honor. Thank you," Attorney Chen said.
"This hearing is adjourned. We will reconvene next week for the final custody determination," Judge Morrison said.
The gavel came down and everyone stood as the judges left the chamber. As soon as they were gone I turned to Lucian and started crying. The tears spilled over before I could stop them, all the fear and tension finally breaking loose. My knees felt weak and my chest ached as weeks of waiting, hoping, and silent dread crashed down on me at once. I clung to him, overwhelmed, exhausted, and terrified of what the decision would mean.
"I get to see him. Every day for four hours I get to see him," I said.
"You did it. The first step is done. Now we just need to make sure those visits go well and then you will get full custody at the final hearing," Lucian said.
Attorney Chen came over looking pleased.
"That was an excellent outcome for a preliminary hearing. The judges were clearly moved by Asher's testimony and by the medical evidence. If the supervised visits show improvement in his health I think we have a very strong chance at the final hearing," she said.
"What do I need to do during the visits? How do I make sure they go well?" I asked.
"Just be yourself. Spend time with him. Play with him. Talk to him. Let the medical staff see that your presence has a positive effect on their well-being. Do not try too hard or force anything. Just be his mother," Attorney Chen said.
I looked across the courtroom and saw Raphael still sitting at his table with his lawyers. He was staring down at his hands and looked completely defeated.
Part of me wanted to go over and say something to him but I did not know what I would say. Thank you for not fighting me. Am I sorry you are losing your son? Nothing felt right.
Lucian noticed me looking at Raphael.
"Do you want to talk to him?" Lucian asked.
"I do not know. Maybe I should. He could have made this much harder and he chose not to. That deserves some acknowledgment," I said. My voice wavered, barely above a whisper, but the words felt like a small victory. For once, someone had acted with fairness instead of cruelty. It was a reminder that not everyone I trusted would betray me—and that even in the midst of chaos, there were glimmers of decency worth holding onto.
"Only if you feel comfortable. You do not owe him anything," Lucian said.
I took a deep breath and walked over to where Raphael was sitting. His lawyers saw me coming and stood up looking defensive but Raphael waved them away.
"Can we talk?" I asked.
"Yes. Please sit down," Raphael said.
I sat in the chair next to him and for a moment we just looked at each other. Five years ago we were mates. We were supposed to build a life together. Now we were on opposite sides of a custody battle. The air between us was heavy with unspoken emotions, a mix of anger, sorrow, and memories that refused to fade. Every glance reminded me of what we once shared, what we had lost, and what circumstances had forced upon us. I could see the conflict in his eyes, the struggle to balance duty with lingering affection. Time had changed us both, yet the bond, though fractured, still pulsed quietly beneath the surface, fragile but undeniable.
"Thank you for not fighting the petition. It would have made everything much harder," I said.
"I could not fight it. Asher made his choice very clear today. He wants to be with you. And after hearing him testify I understand why. I failed him, Celestia. I let Medea and Eclipse manipulate me and I failed to protect him," Raphael said.
"You were lied to. We were both lied to. I……, have something to do. I'll take my leave now," I said and walked, leaving him all alone.