“Yeah, The Scavengers Initiative, a cut-and-dried scavenger hunt with some horrible dares thrown in. I had a partner, and we didn’t work with other teams. We weren’t even allowed to. Whatever information you’re after I don’t have it. I’m in this just like the rest of you.”

Luna didn’t think he was lying, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t. That might have been the truth—just not all of it. She made a mental note to talk to him later. Alone. If need be, she could be very charming to get her way. Being small was the bane of her existence, but it did come with some perks. She could probably con some clues that he didn’t even know were clues out of him.

“Somebody make her stop,” Francis said. “I’m serious.”

Stella cackled. “This is so much fun. I’m glad I decided to stay.”

“Were you thinking about leaving?” Nicole asked.

“It briefly crossed my mind,” Stella said. “But then I realized I didn’t have your phone number yet and powered through.”

Alex said, “We also still have to figure out how all these presents relate to the nonsensical recipe.”

“We obviously need each other. That’s what the first line is talking about,” Harlow said. “Remember how it says ‘mix all colors’? That means we have to work together. No one would have been able to solve what we have so far on their own without stealing presents, which isn’t allowed.”

Luna objected to that, but kept her mouth shut. Group work was a solution, not the only one. Jewel never said they couldn’t spy on other teams or borrow clues. Because the last line of the first part also said set aside all but three. And her codex referred to the power of three.

“Maybe that’s the point. All together until it’s everybody for themselves. That sounds like something Jewel would do.” Francis bit his lip, focusing on his feet. “Did she happen to mention something about Addendums?”

“Yes,” Luna said quickly.

“Stop that or I stop talking.”

Stella giggled and whispered, “Oh my God.”

“You asked a question, and I answered. That’s all.” Luna shrugged, looking away.

Francis said, “During Scavengers, Jewel would make Addendums to the game, adding things and changing the rules last minute when she thought it was necessary. I wouldn’t be surprised if she did that again.”

“Okay,” Luna said. “After lunch, we’ll meet back here, pick a secret passage, and see what we find. Let’s promise to work together to solve this thing. Everybody in?”

Luna smiled as everyone agreed, one hand behind her back. Fingers crossed.

She’d cut them all loose the second the game told her to.

STELLA SAYS
EPISODE 2

Bad Noon Rising

Hello, lovely internet ether.