By completing challenges, you will earn presents, which will help decipher the recipe.

“Everything is exactly as it seems,” Jewel continued. “Everything is connected.”

Challenges are prescheduled. For some, you will receive a notification and instructions through your tablets at the designated time. If asked to enter a challenge room, once inside you must locate your envelope. Some challenges might be harder than others, but all will be unmistakable. Be mindful of your time.

“Oh,” Luna said softly. So that’s why they had to keep their tablets on them at all times! Mystery solved.

Presents will only be gifted to specific players. You may not steal someone else’s present. You may not sabotage another player. Everyone must play, but only two will win.

“Make of that what you will,” Jewel said.

The recipe will unlock, in its entirety, this morning at 6:00 A.M. You will have until the final hour of Golden Weekend to solve it. You may use whatever means available to you in your efforts. Some will have an easier time than others.

“You should also know that if you fail your challenges, which is very possible, by the way, you may be disqualified,” Ethan said with a smirk. “Olive and I will determine your penalties based on your overall performance during the game.”

“I have a question,” Nicole said, slightly raising her hand. “What will we have to do during the challenges? Will it be like a dare? Or…?”

Jewel stared at Nicole, unmoving and not speaking for five whole seconds before looking away. “Any other questions? No?”

“Wait, wait,” Olive said. She moved, standing slightly in front of Jewel, hands up. “I’m sorry, but we really can’t answer that. So, to be fair, we’re going to give you one last chance to change your mind. All the information you have is all you’re going to get until the game officially starts. If you’d like to leave right now, you absolutely can. We don’t want you to feel like we’re forcing you to be here.”

Jewel sighed theatrically, gaze fixed on the ceiling. “She’s too good. Too pure.” She shook her head and brought her attention back to the room. “Fine. I’ll give you a few minutes to figure out if you really want to be here. I’d recommend going over the official rules while you’re at it.” A few taps on Jewel’s tablet later, Luna’s tablet changed again to a list. “Discuss amongst yourselves. If you must.”

Olive turned around and mimed flicking Jewel between the eyes. She didn’t even flinch. “Don’t be a jerk,” Olive said. “And thank you.”

Stella laughed suddenly, pointing at her tablet. “Ten Golden Rules. Ten Commandments. Beware false idols and golden gods.” She snorted. “The religious imagery is a bit much, but I can appreciate a struggling artist when I see one.”

“Struggling?” Jewel nearly choked on the word.