Hey, is this thing on?

[voice off-screen] I don’t think I can look for you. I’m not supposed to be in them.

What are these gold-star things floating in the corner?

[voice off-screen] Pulse points. Like a thumbs-up. The more you get, the more notifications are sent to users who don’t follow you to tell them about your livestream.

I see. Well. I think that’s enough time wasted. Yes, I can see your comments, SpoopyRenaissance.

That’s right, kids, my name is Stella and I am coming to you live from the hallowed Van Hanen grounds. Want to know the super-top-secret ins and outs and dirty details of our wild and rowdy Golden Weekend X? Then I’m your girl. I’ve been tasked with giving you all the inside scoop with a side of style.

You better strap in because believe you me, it’s going to be a day.

First order of business: The Cruelest Jewel—an ambitious game with ambiguous stakes. We’ve been tasked with solving intricate riddles and completing Jewel-crafted challenges all in hopes of winning an obscene amount of money the likes of which most people wouldn’t even dare to dream about.

Right now, me and my compulsory partner-in-crime, who shall remain faceless but not voiceless, are on our way to our first challenge in the—drumroll, please—wine cellar. To be honest, we have no idea what will happen once we get there other than we’ll have to follow the instructions we’re given.

Am I scared? Not really.

You?

[voice off-screen] In the middle.

Unfortunately, I have a seven-minutes-in-heaven time limit on our little live chats and am only allowed to make one per hour. Also, I’m not entirely comfortable bringing you into the dungeon of doom with us.

We just met. I can’t have you seeing me in potentially vulnerable situations. I don’t know you like that.

But I promise I’ll be back with updates. Pinkie swear.

Now, your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to get this video to over five thousand views. If that happens, I will devote episode three exclusively to a no-holds-barred Q&A. Tell all your friends.

This is Stella, signing out.

How’s that for not having style?

[voice off-screen] Um, honestly, it was a little over the top.

See, that’s exactly why I don’t—

[video cuts off]

MONSTERS UNDER THE BARRELS

FRIDAY, 9:37 A.M.

Two black flashlights sat on a small table next to the wine cellar door. Harlow picked one up and said, “There better be lights down there.”

Stella raised an eyebrow, well practiced in the art of being both curious and mocking. “You’re not scared of the dark.”

“I don’t want to accidentally fall or something.” Harlow opened the door, shining her light against the wall. “No switch.” And then down the wooden stairs. “Ready?”