After stabilizing Zach's mood, they brought in Julius again and talked about what Zoe had missed and Zach's plan. Since they had planned it without Zoe, she didn't have a role to play, which was just as well. The less interaction she had with Bartuk, the better.
He had only won last time because she didn't know about divine energy and underestimated his attacks. She wouldn't make that mistake twice.
But keeping the Underworld and the cornerstone safe was more important than settling a grudge, so she would stay in the sixth layer and just watch and amass her strength while everyone else had fun. At least she wouldn't be alone since Julius stayed by her side.
After making sure that Zoe was fine and on board with the plan, which she was, Zach left with his familiars. As they walked through the Underworld toward the tunnel again, Zach couldn't help but glance curiously as Vidri kept working on the metal cube.
