mouth was so dry, it felt like I'd swallowed a handful of sand. For a few seconds, I was just floating in

way the room started spinning. The dark suite. And the terr

Panic, sharp and su

itely not Dylan's. Sunlight, way too bright, was slicing through a gap in the blackout curtains, ma

was

f fear. What had happened? I scrambled out of bed, my head pounding, my legs shaky. The blue dress

ned lullaby. I remembered the absolute terror when I realized someone else was in

my head, trying not to puke. The reflection in the mirror was a horror show. My eyes were red and puffy, with da

mocktail." She'd drugged me. My own sister. The thought hit me like a p

now what the hell she thought she was doing. But a more urgent, practical thou

bed it – no new messages, no missed calls. It was still earl

ir, but it was useless. I looked like I'd been through a war. All I wanted was

s empty. Silent. Thank God. I slipped out, pulling the door gently shut behind me,

place on earth. I locked the door, tore off the hideous blue dress like it was on fire, and jumped into the s

guy in that room? What happened after I passe

on my bed, my mind racing. I had to confront Hailey. I needed answer

?" It was Mom's voice, overly bright and businesslike. "Everyone's havi

turned to ice. Th

e last remnants of the party. Most of the overnight guests – our parents' rich friends and t

tanding dutifully by her side. He looked tired, but he offered me a small, hesitant smile when I walked over. Mo

mond rings flashing. "Okay, everyone! Gather 'round, gather 'round!" Her voic

stomach clench

never seen so clearly before, zeroed in on me. "It seems my

eathe. What w

ylan," Hailey continued, her voice dripping with fake concern, "it l

gle eye on that terrace swung towards me.

r chest dramatically, "but when it happens right under our roof, at my engagement p

ld see. "And look! Someone from the hotel staff, bless th

viously candid shot of me, looking like a total wreck, sneaking out of

iley. The drugged drink, the room, the photo..

Hailey's voice was thick with fake sadness, "Skye just has to be the

t me with open disgust, with pity, with judgment. I wanted to scream, to tell the

cold and furious. She didn't say a word. She just li

eek throbbed. Tears welled up in my eyes, more from

dangerous. "How could you embarrass this fami

.. disappointment. That look from him, that silent judgment, hurt mor

e, nasty triumph. She'd done it. She'd destroyed

front of everyone, a new voice cut through the charged silence.

might be able to clari