Zach noticed the difference in how the people of Rittel looked at him the next morning when he went to find Yan. It was better than being glared at for something he didn't do, but he couldn't say it felt right.
He ignored it.
Yan was in the command center as Zach had expected. Opposite to yesterday, when Yan had to flash his authority to get Zach into the meeting room, the guards outside held the door open for him. They didn't even ask his familiars to stay outside. They were free to follow him inside if they wanted to.
But it would be unnecessarily crowded, so Zach only brought Yanael.
"..."
"Zacharia, you're here." Yan was the only one who greeted Zach with anything other than awkward silence.
"Well, yeah. We need to make use of the breathing room we've gained. They know they can't attack us with the forces they have, which means they'll be holding off until they're ready. We should take initiative before they do."
