ked like they'd stepped out of a luxury brand's ad campaign. Mom was in her element, gliding around like a celebrity host, making sure everyone's champagne

ably thanks to the glam squad she'd had over earlier. Dylan stood beside her, looking incredibly handsome in a tailored suit, but also a little like he was just trying to keep up with Ha

oking lime wedge, feeling like an alien at my own sister's party. My phone buzzed in my clutch – probably just another notification from one of my art forums. I ignored it. My stomach was already twisted into a tight knot, and it wasn't just the usual social anxie

there, I had a clear view of Hailey, effortlessly charming everyone, her hand possessively on Dylan's arm. Every so often, her eyes would flick over to me, a q

aterialized in front of me. Her smile was blinding. She was holding two sleek, modern-looking glasses – on

gain!" she chirped, her voice sugary sweet. "

heck on me? During her party? Something was up. "Y

uspicious. "Here." She held out the glass with the pink drink. "I had the bartender whip up something special for

was milling around. Making a scene by refusing a drink from my sister, the bride-to-be, at her own engagement party? M

cing a smile and taking the glass. He

w beginnings, and all that." She took a delicate sip of her champagne, he

ittle tangy, with a nice fizz. Nothing seemed obviously wrong with it. Maybe I was just overthin

ment noises, trying to act normal, but the uneasy feeling in my gut was coiling tighter. After a couple of minutes, she declared she had

ther. It was actually pretty refreshing, and my throat was

head started to

urry around the edges, and the voices of the guests sounded like they were coming from far away, like an echo chamber. I pressed my fingers

dden wave of dizziness making me sway. I

starting to spin gently. I needed to sit down. Badly. My head was

me, her face a perfect picture of concern. "Skye? Oh my god, you look terrible! Are yo

out, my tongue feeling thick and unc

could recognize. She put an arm around my waist, her grip surprisingly firm. "You just need to lie down. To

ing down in a quiet room sounded like the best idea ever. Hailey practically steered me out of the crowded living area, through

like, "Hang in there, Skye," and "You'll feel better once you lie down." But her voice had a weird, tight

ut curtains drawn. It smelled faintly of something clean, like hotel laundry, and... somethin

uge bed that I could barely make out in the dimness. "

eighed a thousand pounds. The sheets were cool against my skin. I

my eyes focus on her shadowy figur

le sound, but it was hard to tell. "Just something

room was plunged into almost

was

rk. My heart, which had been beating like a sluggish drum, suddenly kicked into overdrive, pounding with a f

that unfamiliar cologne was stronger now, mixed with the definite scent of

t... Hailey...

a silent, desperate plea as t