“Stop pouting,” Alex said. They were following the map leading them to the Wardrobe Room on the third floor. It wouldn’t be much farther.

“I am not pouting.” Luna clutched her moon codex and snowy owl key to her chest. The key they’d found inside the all-black book had the diamond-shaped tip that opened her codex, as promised. But another riddle had been stamped on the front inside cover:

Some things change, while others remain

On one true thing you might all agree

The power of three might set you free

And in the end, it might only be a game

But only Red can decode the codex’s aim

Red. Stella. Group work.

“It’s supposed to be me and you,” Luna said, definitely still pouting. “I don’t want to rely on them for anything.”

“Doesn’t seem like it’s going to work that way.” Alex gently swerved into her.

“And why her?” Luna continued, ignoring his gesture. “I hate how she keeps making fun of my lack of height.”

“I think she likes you. If she didn’t, she’d treat you the way she treats Harlow.”

“You don’t tease people you like, especially when you first meet them.” She eyed him. “Would you like it if she teased you?”

He shrugged. “Maybe. It’s not like I didn’t give her a hint at breakfast.”

“Wait, you were serious about that? I thought you were trying to help me. You know, deflect?”

“It was that too,” he said, while pointing, “It’s this door.”

The Wardrobe Room turned out to be a full-service clothing boutique masquerading as a massive walk-in closet. Racks upon racks of clothes, color coded and sorted by style; enough shoes, jewelry, and accessories to rival a department store; a fully stocked makeup display; and changing rooms galore. The GWX paperwork Luna received asked for her measurements, and her clothes and shoe size. Jewel really had thought of everything.

Luna only allowed herself to gawk at the room for half a second before making a beeline for Stella, who sat at one of the vanities. Nicole finished putting eyeliner on her. “See the difference? With your eye shape, you don’t want to go too far out.”

“Unless I’m feeling dramatic. As you know, I live for the drama of it all,” Stella said, examining her eyes. “You have an extremely steady hand.”

“Hi,” Luna said. She stood in perfect view of the mirror, hands behind her back, Alex by her side, as always.

“I’ll let you do your own mascara so you can practice.” Nicole handed Stella a tube.

“I hope they have eye patches here. Things are about to get dangerous.”

Luna cleared her throat. “Hi, Stella.”

“Hey.” Nicole turned around. “How are you?”

“Good. Fine,” she said, trying to catch Stella’s eye.

“Any ideas for your lunch costume?” Nicole asked. “Need help?”

“No,” Luna said. “I’ll probably just pick out whatever.”