VALEN’S POV

“Surprise!” a chorus of shouts and congratulations rang out as the lights switched on the moment Zira and I stepped through the front door.

No amount of acting in the world could help me fix the look of surprise on my face, but I managed not to roll my eyes at the ridiculous display. I looked down at Zira where she stood at my side, grinning impishly at me.

“Balloons? Really?” I drolled.

Her excited grin stretched wider, her hazel eyes ...