Created from a short story I originally wrote on Reddit's r/writingprompts this is a short slice-of-life novella about a reborn demon king and his new family. The story features themes of healing, supportive family, personal growth, and forgiveness.
Summary: I, King Asmodeus the Undying, have died. Killed by a human hero with a magic sword, I died on the cold floor of my palace. As my consciousness faded, I realized how truly alone I was in this world. To my surprise, I was reborn, not as a demon but as a dog.
Born to a new family, I expected to be rejected for my differences but my siblings and mother welcomed me. In this life, I will protect what is most precious to me my home and my family.
Elliot's partner was his whole world, but after Allan's death, his ghost haunts Elliot's dreams. Everyone tells Elliot to move on, but he isn't sure he can.
*****
It's been a year since the love of Elliot's life, Allan, passed away. Everyone thinks he should have recovered after that much time, but Allan still haunts Elliot every night. He struggles to maintain relationships with his family, and despite a coworkers interest he can't summon up the courage to date. Elliot is living for the past, because to live for the present means he'll have to live with a hole in his heart. But the question Elliot has to face chases him through his monotonous days: is mourning Allan with everything he has truly living?
[[word count: 40,000-50,000 words]]