Resonance in the Void

CHAPTER 14: The Deal

It had been weeks since Lapis first planted the seed of doubt in Peridot's mind, and now, it was beginning to take root. Peridot had grown more withdrawn, more uncertain with each passing day. She still maintained the facade of control, but Lapis could see the cracks widening, the fear and confusion bubbling just beneath the surface.

It all came to a head one day when Peridot, looking more exhausted than ever, approached Lapis' cell. Her eyes were hollow, her hands trembling as she held the tablet in front of her like a shield. But there was something different in her gaze—something desperate.

"I need to talk to you," Peridot said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lapis stepped closer to the force field, her eyes narrowing as she studied Peridot's expression. "What's going on?"

Peridot hesitated, her fingers twitching nervously. "I've been... thinking. About everything. About Homeworld. About what you said."

Lapis' heart skipped a beat, but she kept her voice calm. "And?"

Peridot's hands clenched around the tablet, her eyes darting around as if she was afraid someone might be watching. "I want... I want to make a deal."

Lapis raised an eyebrow. "A deal?"

Peridot nodded, her voice trembling. "If I... if I help you escape, if I free you from this prison... you have to take me with you."

Lapis blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected this, not so soon. "You want to leave Homeworld?"

Peridot's eyes flickered with uncertainty. "I don't know if I can stay here anymore. I don't know if I can keep doing this."

Lapis stared at her, her heart pounding in her chest. She could see the fear in Peridot's eyes, the desperation. This wasn't just a simple escape. This was a breaking point.

"I'll help you," Lapis said softly. "But you need to understand what you're asking. If you leave with me... there's no going back."

Peridot's eyes darted to the floor, her voice barely audible. "I know."

Lapis stepped closer to the force field, her voice firm but gentle. "Are you sure you're ready for that?"

Peridot's hands trembled as she tightened her grip on the tablet. "I don't know if I'm ready for anything anymore."