Something in Lapis' words struck a nerve, or the beginnings of one; Raine propped her free hand on her hip, expression turning down somewhat. "Believe what you want," she said, cool. "It's true that we can't go home intentionally, and in that respect I suppose 'prison' is vaguely accurate, but many Foreigners have been here and returned to their home worlds. That gem is something of an anchor, yes, but it's also keeping you alive."

She was still frowning. The other woman obviously had some hangup with being kept prisoner, not to mention the trust issues that Skulduggery's problem newcomer had assisted, but the refusal to listen to reason grated.

It wasn't new. Just unfortunate. "I have some answers," Raine said, still level, "but if you're not willing to listen or believe them, that won't be of any use."