“It’s just something to say, I guess. You know, if I do something…” She trailed off. There wasn’t another word for regretting being an inconvenience or not living up to expectations you didn’t even know about. Sorry was a terrible catchall with multiple meanings and few alternatives. “You’re really different than you are in your videos,” she said quietly.

Jewel cocked her head to the side, curious. “How so?”

“Upset? And kind of guarded. When people ask you questions, you answer them, but it’s like you’re hiding something. But in your videos, you always seem so honest, I guess. And vulnerable, I think. It’s like you’re not talking to the camera. You’re talking to yourself and letting us watch. I used to think that’s why you never followed anyone back or responded to replies on your videos. Because you never wanted to have a conversation in the first place.”

When Luna looked up, Jewel stared down at her with an expression she couldn’t read, but it wasn’t a good one. She shrank back. Why did I say all of that? Now she’s going to think I’m really some obsessive fan and hate me. I was way too invasive and presumptuous. “Sorry.” She pressed her lips together, wishing she had thought of that ten seconds ago.

“Do you know why I wanted you to come here? Over everyone else that participates in the Goldspiracy?” Jewel asked.

Luna shook her head.

Jewel stepped closer, leaning down until they were eye to eye. “Because you’re the only one who gets it right. Every secret, every code, every single time I thought I was being clever, there you were with the answer. It’s annoying, and I hate it,” she said. “And I had to meet you.”

All Luna’s nervous energy synergized into a giant bolt of vindicated lightning.

“I’ve wanted to talk to you for some time, but you obviously didn’t want to talk to anyone inside Golden Rule,” Jewel said. “And it wasn’t my place to join the forums. Players belong there, not the Gamemaster.”

“You could’ve emailed me.”

“Neither of us would have been satisfied with that, and you know it,” Jewel said. “But now that you’re here, I want you to promise me something. Yes?”

“Anything,” Luna said with no room for regret.

“No matter what happens, you’ll meet me at The End,” Jewel said. “I want you to win The Cruelest Jewel.”

TOTALLY SUBTLE / DELIRIUM

FRIDAY, 12:55 A.M.

To play or not to play. That was the question knocking around in Stella’s head.