Runes (Paranormal Romance, YA,) by Ednah Walters

parents had arrived. There were about five people with serious injuries but more with minor ones who needed attention, too. Kate was the only one unconscious. Instead of going home, we piled in Eirik’s Jeep and followed the ambulance to Kayville Medical Center. Cora came with us since Keith had to leave. His mother kept calling. We called home and explained where we were headed.
    “Oh, sweetie.” I could tell my mother really wanted me home.
    “We’ll wait with her parents just for a little bit, Mom. They’re all from the swim team, and we want to make sure they’re okay.”
    Mom sighed. “Okay, but be careful. Come home as soon as you can.”
    Inside the ER, the first person I saw was Torin. He was seated at the farthest corner inside the waiting area. My stomach flip-flopped, and my heart picked up tempo. Why was he here? He hardly knew any of the injured people. I changed my mind when I saw the people seated at the corner by the ER entrance—Andris and his girls. Maliina shot me a smug smile. I so wanted to march over there and smack her. Was she behind the blackout? Maybe they were all behind it. From the conversation between Andris and Torin, they wanted something from the swim team. Most of the injured were Trojan swimmers.
    I was aware of Torin’s eyes on us, hating the unsettling effect his presence had on me. My grip tightened on Eirik’s arm. I rested my head on his shoulder after we sat. By the time everyone settled into the waiting room, there were almost two dozens of us mixed with parents. But half of us weren’t hurt. We were there to keep vigil. The show of solidary didn’t surprise me. Coach Fletcher always insisted we were more than a team, that we were a family. I never believed him until now.
    Most of the injured had sprains and cuts that needed stitches, but nothing life-threatening. Kate had a fracture on her right leg, several cracked ribs, and bleeding in her brain. They rushed her into the operating room as soon as they arrived. Mrs. Hunsaker was in tears, and she wasn’t the only one. Kate’s best friend, whom I’d seen last year during meets, was in tears, too. Mr. Hunsaker appeared stoic, but it was obvious he was just being strong for his wife.
    He stood and came to where I sat with Eirik. A nurse had already cleaned and wrapped up Eirik’s bleeding knuckles and stitched the cut on his brow.
    “Thank you for protecting my daughter, young man,” Mr. Hunsaker said and pressed on Eirik shoulder when he started to get up. “No, don’t get up. What’s your name?”
    “Eirik Seville.” Eirik offered his left hand, and the man shook it gingerly.
    “Mr. Seville, I’m Seth Hunsaker, Kate’s father, and over there,” he indicated Kate’s mother, “is my wife Sally. We would like you to know you’re welcome at The Oyster Bar any time.”
    “I, uh, thank you, sir. I did what anyone would have done in a similar situation.”
    “That’s where you are wrong.” Mr. Hunsaker glanced at his wife, then asked, “You swim with Kate?”
    “We all do.” Eirik indicated the swimmers in the room.
    “Thank you.” Mr. Hunsaker looked at us, his eyes bright. “All of you, for being with us here tonight. It means a lot to us.”
    As he walked back to his wife’s side, the students who didn’t know Eirik had protected Kate stared. My gaze connected with Torin’s, the unsung hero of the night. I wondered how he felt being ignored. His expression didn’t change, even when Cora went over and sat by his side. She stayed with him until it was time to leave.
    It was one in the morning when they wheeled Kate from the operating room. We weren’t allowed to see her, but the doctors talked to her parents and a nurse told us to go home. She was stable.
    The streetlights were back on, I noted as we drove away from the hospital. Cora insisted on going home and was half asleep when we dropped her off.
    “Are you coming in?” I asked when Eirik walked me to the door.
    “Not tonight. I just