The revelation that the Foundation Stone was slowly fading in Port Harcourt, and needed to be moved to its powerful, original nexus in Owo, Ondo State, sent a tremor of urgency through the Pack.
"Moving the Stone is a monumental task," Elder Bamidele warned the council. "It's not just a geological object; it's a condensed vortex of magic. Transporting it will leave the city temporarily unprotected, and the strain could shatter the Golden Leaf."
"It must be done," Samuel asserted, standing beside Esther. "The long-term safety of the Àkàlà our destiny depends on it. We will use the expertise of the Chronos Shaper, but under Esther's direct, constant supervision."
Esther was skeptical but agreed. Onyeka, though temporarily freed, was fitted with a silver-chain shackle that radiated a continuous, low-level anti-temporal field, rendering him physically incapable of opening any significant time tears.
Onyeka, surprisingly cooperative, drew up complex schematics. "The transfer must be done during the Ọsán Ijimiji the Moment of Stillness a specific, brief period during the highest solar zenith when magical currents naturally pause. We have less than 48 hours to prepare."
The plan was daring:
The Containment: The Golden Leaf Casket, radiating its maximum stabilizing power, would be placed directly atop the Foundation Stone to prevent a spontaneous energy explosion during the lift.
The Decoy: The Pack, led by Tunde, would create a massive magical shield over the city, drawing external attention and giving the illusion that the Stone was still in place.
The Lift: Samuel, in his full, controlled wolf form, would be the engine of the lift his unchained power, focused by the silver bloom, would provide the kinetic and magical force required to safely extract and move the Stone.
The night before the transfer, Esther went to Samuel, who was preparing in his secluded, specialized training chamber. He was focusing, letting the amber fire rise in his eyes, preparing to embrace the full transformation for the first time since the clock tower fight.
"You look ready," Esther whispered, standing just outside his focus circle.
"I am the Balance," Samuel affirmed, his voice deep and slightly rough. "But I will be pushing the limits of the Àṣẹ itself. The full Change is easy. The full Change with absolute, zero-error control, while lifting a city's destiny, is the true test."
Esther entered the circle, taking his hand, letting the familiar warmth and pine scent anchor her. "If the Golden Leaf is strained, I will be the one to stabilize the Casket directly. We do this together, Samuel. Alpha and Keeper. Wolf and Balance."