(Alex POV)

The mercury is working beautifully.

I watch Lily from across the living room as she struggles to lift a glass of water to her lips. Her hands shake uncontrollably, spilling drops across the front of her nightgown. The tremors started three days ago, right on schedule.

"Let me help you, darling," I say, crossing to her bedside with my most concerned expression.

"I can do it myself," she mumbles, but her words are slurred. The mercury has been affecting her speech too, another lovely side effect.

"Of course you can." I take the glass from her trembling hands and hold it to her lips. "But there's no shame...