Resonance in the Void

CHAPTER 3: Cracks in the System

That night, Lapis lay on the floor of her cell, staring at the ceiling. It was silent, but she knew it was an illusion. Somewhere above her, Peridot was monitoring everything, watching every movement within the prison. The thought of being observed so closely should have been unnerving, but strangely, Lapis found it almost comforting. Peridot was meticulous, and Lapis was beginning to understand the Gem a little more.

The next day, Lapis was waiting for Peridot to arrive, just as she always did, but this time she had a plan. When Peridot entered, tablet in hand, Lapis immediately spoke.

"What if I told you I could escape anytime I wanted?" she asked, her voice calm.

Peridot didn't even glance up. "You're lying."

Lapis smiled to herself. "You're so sure of that? What if I've been playing the long game, waiting for the right moment?"

Peridot tapped on her tablet, not missing a beat. "You lack the resources. The cell is impenetrable. I've personally ensured that."

Lapis stood, walking toward the cell's force field. "And yet, you keep coming back. Why? To see if I'll try? Are you that paranoid?"

Peridot froze for a fraction of a second, her gaze flicking toward Lapis. "I don't need to be paranoid. I'm simply thorough."

"Or maybe you're curious," Lapis mused. "Maybe you're not as indifferent as you pretend to be."

Peridot's expression tightened. "I'm done with this conversation." But as she turned to leave, Lapis could see it again—that hesitation. Peridot was hiding something, and Lapis was determined to figure out what.