Demons Walk Among Us

Asmodeus, Belial, Mephistopheles, and Raum—ancient demons of Hell—have broken free from their infernal duties and now hide in Montreal, seeking anonymity among humans. Their powers are dampened, their true forms hidden by glamor, and they struggle to adapt to mundane life. Asmodeus, once the Prince of Lust, is cursed with a peculiar invisibility: he is unnoticeable to anyone who might desire him, rendering him a wallflower even among his own kind. The brothers' camaraderie is laced with bickering, but their bond is unbreakable, forged by a shared desire for freedom and a blood pact that makes them family by choice, not birth.

The Curse of Invisibility

Cursed by the angel Raphael for ancient crimes, Asmodeus is stripped of his senses—he cannot taste, smell, or see color—and, most painfully, is rendered invisible to potential lovers. This curse is both literal and existential, making him a ghost in the world of desire. His brothers, each with their own quirks and traumas, try to support him, but Asmodeus is isolated, resigned to a life of numbness and detachment. The curse is a daily reminder of his past and a barrier to any hope of connection or pleasure.

Music and the Wallflower

One night, Asmodeus is drawn to a nightclub where Eva, a passionate violinist and DJ, performs. Her music is a fusion of classical and electronic, and it stirs something in him he hasn't felt in centuries. For the first time, he is captivated, and he finds himself truly seeing—and being seen by—someone. Eva, too, notices the brooding stranger in the crowd, and their mutual intrigue sets the stage for a fateful encounter.

A Violinist's Gaze

Eva approaches Asmodeus after her set, and to his shock, she is not only able to see him but is attracted to him. Their conversation is awkward but electric, and Eva's boldness disarms Asmodeus. For the first time since his curse, he feels noticed, desired, and alive. They exchange numbers, and a spark of hope ignites in Asmodeus's otherwise gray existence.

Gunfire and Gargoyles

Their budding connection is violently interrupted when gunfire erupts in the club. Asmodeus shields Eva, displaying inhuman strength and agility. In the chaos, Eva glimpses impossible things: wings, claws, and a monstrous gargoyle. The brothers battle the supernatural threat, and Eva's reality is shattered. She is left questioning her sanity, haunted by visions that defy explanation.

Unmasking the Supernatural

Eva, unable to dismiss what she saw, confides in her eccentric, open-minded mother. Together, they debate the existence of the supernatural, and Eva is encouraged to investigate rather than suppress her experience. Meanwhile, Asmodeus and his brothers realize Eva's ability to see through his curse is unprecedented, and they debate whether she is a threat or a miracle.

Brothers in Exile

The brothers settle into a shabby apartment, protected by wards and secrecy. Belial, the de facto leader, is plagued by rage and responsibility, while Mephistopheles and Raum provide comic relief and muscle. Their escape from Hell is fraught with danger, as the Hunter—a relentless demon tracker named Mist—is dispatched to retrieve them. The brothers' dynamic is tested as they navigate human society, their own traumas, and the ever-present threat of discovery.

Jazz, Jams, and Jealousy

Eva invites Asmodeus to a jazz club, where their musical chemistry is undeniable. Playing together on stage, they experience a transcendent connection, and Asmodeus's curse temporarily lifts, making him visible and desirable to all. The sudden attention from other women unsettles him, but it is Eva he wants. Their night ends in passionate, transformative sex, breaking through centuries of numbness for Asmodeus.

Sex, Spells, and Secrets

Asmodeus and Eva's relationship deepens, both physically and emotionally. Eva, still unsure of Asmodeus's true nature, investigates his past and the strange events surrounding him. She discovers his brothers' demonic names and their odd behavior, while Asmodeus grapples with feelings he cannot name. Their bond is tested by secrets, guilt, and the looming threat of the Hunter.

The Hunter Arrives

Mist, the Hunter, finds the brothers and attacks, forcing Asmodeus to reveal his true form to protect Eva. The battle is fierce, and Eva witnesses the full horror and beauty of the supernatural world. Mist is wounded but escapes, vowing to return. Eva's apartment is destroyed, and she is forced to flee with Asmodeus, her life forever changed.

Blood, Wards, and Betrayal

The brothers regroup, realizing they must leave Montreal to evade Mist. To travel safely, Eva must ingest demon blood, a ritual that binds her to their world. The process is harrowing but necessary. Meanwhile, Belial makes a dangerous bargain with a succubus to obtain Nephilim blood, a rare substance that can mask their presence from trackers. Trust is strained as secrets and sacrifices mount.

Family Ties Revealed

Seeking refuge, the group travels to Eva's mother's home. There, shocking revelations surface: Eva's father, Dan, is a fallen angel—a Grigori—and Eva herself is a Nephilim, a human-angel hybrid. This explains her Sight and her immunity to Asmodeus's curse. The truth fractures the family, as Dan's decades of secrecy and the dangers of Eva's blood come to the fore.

Nephilim Awakening

With her binding spell broken by a mutual exchange of blood with Asmodeus, Eva's latent Nephilim powers awaken. She displays superhuman strength and healing abilities, saving the demons from mortal wounds. The cost is high: Eva is now a beacon for both Heaven and Hell, hunted for her unique blood. The group must decide whether to hide, fight, or trust in new alliances.

Love, Loss, and Loyalty

Dan, torn between his angelic duty and paternal love, attacks Asmodeus and the brothers, nearly killing Mephistopheles. Jacqui, Eva's mother, is caught between worlds, her marriage shattered by secrets. Amidst chaos, Eva and Asmodeus confess their love, a union that defies the rules of both Heaven and Hell. Their relationship becomes the axis around which the fate of all turns.

Divine Showdown

A final confrontation erupts as Dan attempts to destroy the demons to protect Eva, but is thwarted by her awakened powers and the loyalty of her chosen family. The battle is fierce, with magic, fire, and blood, but ultimately, love and forgiveness prevail. Dan is forced to accept Eva's autonomy and the new reality of their blended family.

Healing and Homecoming

Wounds are healed—physically and emotionally. The demons, Eva, and her mother forge a new, unconventional family, united by survival and acceptance. Dan, exiled by his own choices, must reckon with the consequences of his secrecy and the immortality that separates him from those he loves. Asmodeus, freed from his curse by the power of love and music, finds color, taste, and joy in the world for the first time.

The Hunter's Bargain

Mist, the Hunter, instead of betraying the group, proposes a truce: he wishes to experience human attachment and asks for their help in finding a "pet"—a human companion. In exchange, he promises to keep Eva's secret and protect their found family. The group, recognizing his sincerity and the value of his alliance, agrees, binding him with a contract.

New Beginnings, New Rules

With the threat of Hell and Heaven temporarily at bay, the group settles into a new life. The demons move into Eva's building, Mist begins his awkward journey into humanity, and Eva and Asmodeus embrace their love, music, and shared home. The story ends with hope, humor, and the promise of more adventures as this unlikely family carves out a place for themselves in a world that is anything but ordinary.

Characters

Asmodeus (Ash)

Asmodeus is a former Prince of Lust, now exiled and cursed to be invisible to those who might desire him. His curse strips him of color, taste, and pleasure, leaving him numb and isolated. He is fiercely loyal to his brothers, but emotionally stunted, struggling to name or understand his own feelings. Meeting Eva awakens a longing for connection and redemption. Through music and love, he gradually reclaims his senses and his sense of self, evolving from a self-loathing outcast to a partner capable of love and sacrifice.

Eva Gregory

Eva is a talented musician and artist, raised by eccentric, loving parents. She has always felt a sense of otherness, a disconnect she cannot explain. Her encounter with Asmodeus and the supernatural world forces her to confront her true heritage as a Nephilim. Eva is bold, compassionate, and unafraid to challenge those she loves. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to embrace her powers, her identity, and her capacity for love—even when it means risking everything.

Belial

Belial is the eldest and most powerful of the brothers, a former King of Hell. He is plagued by uncontrollable rage, which he channels into cooking and caring for his family. His sense of responsibility is both a strength and a burden, and he struggles to balance his demonic nature with his desire for peace. Belial's journey is one of self-mastery, as he learns to trust, forgive, and let go of the past.

Mephistopheles (Meph)

Meph is the youngest, covered in tattoos and piercings, using humor and bravado to mask deep trauma. He is impulsive, loyal, and desperate for belonging. His near-death experience at the hands of Dan exposes his vulnerability and the depth of his bond with his brothers. Meph's arc is about healing, trust, and finding value in himself beyond his role as comic relief.

Raum

Raum is the most reserved of the brothers, often acting as a mediator. He has a special affinity for animals, a trait that hints at a gentler nature beneath his intimidating exterior. Raum is observant, practical, and deeply loyal, providing stability and support when the family is in crisis.

Mist (Mishetsumephtai, the Hunter)

Mist is Hell's most feared tracker, dispatched to retrieve the brothers. Initially an antagonist, he is revealed to be a complex figure, bound by duty but secretly longing for freedom and connection. His fascination with Eva and the brothers leads him to betray his mission and seek his own humanity. Mist's arc is about breaking free from programming, embracing vulnerability, and redefining purpose.

Jacqui Gregory

Eva's mother, Jacqui, is an artist and free spirit, whose acceptance and wisdom provide a safe haven for her daughter and the demons alike. She is the emotional anchor, advocating for trust, honesty, and the healing power of art. Jacqui's world is upended by the revelation of her husband's true nature, but her resilience and compassion guide the family through crisis.

Dan Gregory

Dan is Eva's father, secretly a Grigori (fallen angel) who has spent decades hiding his true identity to protect his family. His love for Jacqui and Eva is genuine, but his secrecy and paternalism lead to betrayal and heartbreak. Dan's arc is one of reckoning—facing the consequences of his choices, seeking forgiveness, and learning to let go.

Skye

Eva's best friend, Skye, is a whirlwind of energy, sexuality, and bad decisions. She provides levity and a human perspective, often serving as a foil to Eva's seriousness. Skye's own struggles with self-control and love mirror the demons' journeys, highlighting the universality of longing and growth.

Naiamah

Naiamah is a succubus and Belial's ex, a figure of temptation and chaos. She is both ally and antagonist, providing resources at a price. Her presence forces the brothers to confront their pasts and the seductive pull of old habits.

Plot Devices

The Curse and Its Reversal

Asmodeus's curse is both a literal and symbolic barrier, representing the consequences of past actions and the pain of disconnection. Its reversal through music and love is a central device, illustrating the healing power of art and intimacy. The curse's mechanics—its lifting during moments of genuine connection—foreshadow Asmodeus's evolution and the story's ultimate message.

The Sight

Eva's Sight is a plot device that bridges the human and supernatural worlds. It allows her to perceive the demons' true forms and breaks through Asmodeus's curse. This ability is both a blessing and a curse, marking her as special but also making her a target. The Sight is a metaphor for empathy, intuition, and the courage to see beyond appearances.

Blood Bonds and Contracts

The exchange of blood—whether for travel, healing, or binding—is a recurring motif. It represents trust, vulnerability, and the merging of worlds. Blood contracts, both literal and magical, are used to forge alliances, ensure secrecy, and cement relationships. These rituals underscore the story's themes of sacrifice and chosen family.

Found Family

The demons' blood pact, their adoption of Eva, and the inclusion of Mist all reinforce the theme of found family. The narrative structure alternates between moments of crisis and domesticity, highlighting the importance of chosen bonds over blood ties. The family's evolution is mirrored in their living arrangements, shared meals, and collective battles.

Foreshadowing and Parallelism

The story uses foreshadowing—Eva's sense of otherness, Dan's secrecy, the recurring motif of music—to build tension and reveal deeper truths. Parallel relationships (Eva/Asmodeus, Jacqui/Dan, Mist/his future companion) explore the challenges of love across boundaries. The cycles of betrayal, forgiveness, and renewal drive the plot and character growth.

Analysis

My Funny Demon Valentine is a witty, heartfelt, and subversive paranormal romance that uses the trappings of urban fantasy to explore themes of trauma, redemption, and the transformative power of love and art. At its core, the novel is about outsiders—demons, Nephilim, and humans alike—seeking connection and belonging in a world that fears or misunderstands them. The curse that isolates Asmodeus is a metaphor for the wounds we carry, and its healing through music and intimacy is a testament to the redemptive potential of vulnerability. Eva's journey from confusion to self-acceptance mirrors the universal quest for identity, while the found family of demons, humans, and hybrids challenges traditional notions of kinship and loyalty. The novel's humor, sensuality, and emotional honesty make it both a celebration of difference and a call to embrace the messy, magical possibilities of love—no matter how monstrous or miraculous they may seem.

Last updated: May 13, 2025