23. Engulfed

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 stopped walking, realizing he was the closest to the potion when it crashed to the floor. No doubt, if it had affected me, it must have affected him even more. “Elijah, are you okay?”

He stopped walking, remaining dead still as he stared at the beach in the distance. You could see the massive bonfire from here, in the dark, wooded area where we stood. You could hear shouting, laughter, and music, and it almost felt like we