It clicked twice more before the left door began to swing inward. A familiar figure wearing red glasses and a beautiful sparkling blue gown glided out of the darkness. She walked to the edge of the porch, all smiles as she looked down at them. The skirt and bodice twinkled with crosshatched golden lines as thin and intricate as veins. A perfect match to the courtyard and divine on her light brown skin.

Luna wanted to say something. She knew she should say something. Everyone else’s gawking, wide-eyed stare was embarrassing, but all she could do was exhale in an exhilarated huff.

Olive. Was Standing. Right. There.

Olive—Jewel’s very best friend in the whole world. The beloved Siren of Golden Rule, whose prerecorded instructional video welcomed every user to the app. A musical goddess, she also created the songbird-style, where users sang in their diary entries, often making up original songs to tell their stories.

“Good evening,” Olive said, and then laughed. “Well, I guess it’s good morning now.”

“Nice dress,” Stella said with a mocking smile. “I wish I had known there was a ballroom dress code. I would’ve asked Diane to buy me something more royally appropriate.”

Nicole asked, “Who’s Diane?”

“My mom.”

“You call your mom by her first name?”

“Not to her face.” Stella shrugged.

“Don’t worry,” Olive said to Stella. “You’ll have plenty of chances to dress up later if you choose to stay.”

“If?” Harlow asked. “Why wouldn’t we?”

“We’ve planned a pretty eventful weekend for you guys. I think you’re going to have a really good time.” She nodded, smiling. “But in order for it to work, there are nonnegotiable rules you must agree to. Everything is totally voluntary, I promise. You’ll always have a choice. Like right now.” She took a deep breath, smile giving way to solemnity.

Luna shivered again, from cold and anticipation this time, and balled her hands into anxious fists.

“Rule Number One,” Olive began, voice still warm but firm. “You may not leave. If you accidentally take one single step off this property before the weekend is over, you will be sent home empty handed. No exceptions.”

That rule pitched the already-quiet courtyard straight into a void.

“Think carefully before deciding on your answer,” Olive continued. “If you choose to leave, stay right here and a car will take you back to the airport. For those who choose to stay”—she smiled, hesitant but encouraging—“I’ll see you on the other side.” She turned around, gliding back into the dark house, leaving the door open behind her.

THE GOLDEN RULE TRINITY

FRIDAY, 12:05 A.M.

When Olive had been out of sight for a beat, Nicole let out an awkward laugh.

“Okay,” Alex said, clearing his throat and turning to Luna. “I’m assuming we’re in?”