By the time we wove our way through the tree-cloaked pathway toward the beach, I knew something was really wrong. My heart became loud inside my ears, and my skin was too hot and tight for my body.

My throat was dry, and I kept swallowing to keep it moisturized. I was starting to worry that I had breathed in that potion, and I kept checking my arms to see if its effects could be seen on my skin.

“Something's wrong with me,” I said to Elijah, who suddenly went ghostly quiet.

“Yep.” It was a short reply, his voice so thick it almost sounded like he was choking.

I...