Page 30 of The Wishing Game

"Is this being recorded?" I ask warily.

"Recorded?" Thea frowns. "No, of course not. This is an exclusive event that only a few people can take part in. It's very secretive," she tells me before redirecting her gaze to the stage and sighing dreamily as she stares at Inu.

Her brother doesn't seem too pleased about that. His facial expression is the definition ofif looks could kill. I guess he doesn't share Thea's enthusiasm about tonight's hosts.

"Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the seventy-ninth edition of The Wishing Game. Are you all ready?"

The crowd follows the cue, erupting in a chorus of glee. "Yes!"

"Seventy-ninth edition?" I whisper to Thea.

She nods. "It happens once every one hundred years."

"We are your hosts for this evening. My name is Inu, and this bombshell next to me is my twin, Inara. We're going to explain all the rules and officially welcome you to the game."

More raucous cheers erupt from the crowd, together with chants of the hosts' names.

Inu smiles, putting a palm up. The crowd falls silent.

"Is he that famous?" I ask. Most of the people in the crowd seem to know them somehow.

"I told you. He's one of the biggest entertainers, but he's a very elusive figure. He DJs at clubs and hosts some of the most extravagant parties in this world."

"In this world?"

Cer clears his throat, giving Thea a warning look.

"Anyway, he's very famous in the party circles."

"I see..." But Idon'tsee. I don't understand what everything has to do with me. Although I'm grateful to have a respite from being chased by the police, I'm starting to think I may have gotten myself into something worse.

"Your messengers should have already explained why you were chosen and what you stand to win if you prevail in the game. But I'm here to tell you that only thebestcan win. Are you the best?" He pauses for effect, glancing at the audience. "That remains to be seen."

"Messengers? What messengers?" I inquire, trying to subdue the panic in my voice.

Thea purses her lips.

"Doesn't matter." She shakes her head. "Just pay attention to what he's saying and you'll be fine."

I blink in confusion. Both Thea and Cer ignore me as they focus on the stage, and once more I get the feeling that they're hiding something.

"There are two hundred of you outcasts in this room today. And thousands more across the universe. You will all be competing at the same time for a chance to get your most ardent wish fulfilled. But this edition's game will be a little different," Inara says, a smile pulling at her lips. "Only five individuals out of one hundred thousand outcasts from all over the universe can win the game. That means this time you will not only be competing against the trials we've set for you, but also against each other."

The audience gasps, some voicing their complaints while others express their excitement about the more competitive nature of the game.

"Just like in our previous editions, we want the scales to be even for everyone at the start of the game. That means that all the participants will be gifted the chance to compete at peak condition. Of course, as per the rules, this gift is to be usedonlywhile you're competing in the game"—he gives Inara a look—"and at our discretion, of course."

"A gift?"

"What is it?"

"Inu is the best!"

Voices echo in the room, everyone showing their excitement.

Both Inu and Inara smile at the crowd.

"I trust you've all indulged in the special cocktails we've prepared for tonight?"

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