Riley's POV
The party kicks off around nine, and Zoey drags me into the center of the room for dancing. Her excitement is infectious as everyone shouts birthday wishes her way. This is the first real celebration she's ever had. In previous years, she always preferred quiet birthdays with just me, and being the outsider I was back then, I never attended big gatherings like this one.
She's seventeen now, practically bouncing with anticipation about finding her mate next year. I suspect she's secretly hoping it'll be Silas, though she's too proud to admit it. She keeps insisting they're just having fun until one of them meets their destined partner.
