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“Just excited,” I lie, forcing a smile. “And maybe a little nervous.”

“Don’t forget about all the Konigs, too.”Jennapoints out a group posing for photos outside the convention center as our bus approaches. “Though I know which one’s your favorite.”

I bite my lip, remembering the mysterious Ghost from the club. The way he appeared exactly when I needed help, like he’d been waiting for the moment to step in.

“Speaking of which.”Jennaraises an eyebrow as we step off the bus. “How exactly do you plan to find your club Ghost in this sea of cosplayers? There must be at least twenty just in the entrance line.”

“I’ll know.” I adjust my quiver strap, scanning the crowd with growing unease. “The way he carried himself was different. Plus, his costume had those custom details...”

“Uh-huh.”Jennadoesn’t sound convinced. “And what if multiple people have similar costumes? Or what if he changes something up?”

“If it’s meant to be, he’ll find me.” I shrug, adjusting my prop bow. “He saw my face at the club, after all. And I mean, look at me—how many Aloy cosplayers are rocking these curves?”

As we join the line, I notice a Ghost cosplayer about twenty people ahead turn and stare directly at me. Though I can’t see his face behind the mask, his posture sends a jolt of recognition through me. He raises his hand in a subtle gesture that could be a wave or a salute before turning back around.

“Did you see that?” I ask Jenna, gripping her arm.

“See what?” She looks around, confused.

“That Ghost cosplayer. He... never mind.” I shake my head, unsure if I’m being paranoid or perceptive.

Jennarolls her eyes. “You’re such a hopeless romantic. What happened to the practical gamer girl I used to know?”

“She discovered that real life can be just as exciting as games.” I strike a pose, making my costume’s leather pieces creak, trying to shake off my growing sense of unease. “Besides, you’re the one who’s always telling me to put myself out there more.”

“Yeah, with normal guys. Not mysterious masked strangers.”

“But that’s what I’m into!” I grab her arm, practically bouncing, the enthusiasm only partly forced. “He knew exactly what to do when that creep wouldn’t back off... It was like he’d stepped right out of the game.”

“Or like he’d been watching you and waiting for the right moment,”Jennamutters.

Her words hit uncomfortably close to my own unvoiced fears. I think about the text messages, the feeling of being watched, and how the club Ghost knew exactly when to intervene.

“Don’t ruin this for me.” I pout at her. “Let me have my gaming fantasy, just for today. Tomorrow, I’ll return to being sensible, the Kira who triple-checks her privacy settings.”

“Promise?”

“Cross my heart.” I make an X over my chest piece.

The line inches forward as more cosplayers join behind us. I can’t stop fidgeting with my prop bow, the excitement shaking my hands. My phone buzzes again, but I’m afraid to look at it.

“Look at that Master Chief!” Trying to distract myself, I point to an incredibly detailed costume with working LED lights. “The craftsmanship is insane.”

“Not as insane as those prices for photo ops.”Jennascrolls through the convention schedule on her phone. “Seventy-five dollars to take a picture with voice actors? Highway robbery.”

“Worth it, though.” I pull up my own schedule, finally checking my phone. The new message on the screen makes my blood run cold.

Your bow is perfect. I’ve been watching you make it for weeks.

I quickly put away my phone, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ve got slots booked for the Call of Duty panel and?—”

“The Ghost meet and greet?”Jennafinishes, smirking. “You only mentioned it about twenty times.”

“Can you blame me? It’s the original voice actor!” My voice rises an octave, partly from genuine excitement, partly from nerves. “Plus, they’re showing exclusive footage from the new game.”

A group of Minecraft cosplayers shuffles past, their blocky cardboard costumes taking up half the walkway. One of them bumps into me, nearly knocking my quiver loose. As he steadies me, he leans in close—too close.

“See you inside,” he murmurs, his voice achingly familiar, before disappearing into the crowd.