This 18,000-word SHORT STORY is a Young Adult retelling of the Shakespearean drama, Othello.
The year is 3015, and the planet Earth is no more. Existing on space stations strewn about the galaxy, humans are searching for a new planet to call home. Their explorations have led to war with many alien races, leaving their numbers decimated and their position in the universe unstable.
A humanoid alien captured during one of Earth’s many wars, Onyx is given his freedom in return for joining the planet’s army. He is placed in an elite unit, where he quickly proves himself a good soldier and climbs the ranks. Many shun him because even though he looks like a human, they know he isn’t one. However, there is one person who does not fear him. Onyx cannot help but love Dia, and marries her against her father’s will. Yet, their happy union is threatened when Isaias, Onyx’s ensign begins whispering secrets of Dia’s infidelity into his ear.
When the web of lies, truths, and half-truths begin to engulf Onyx, he finds himself unable to discern who his real friends and enemies are … which will lead to him making one of the biggest mistakes of his life.

*This story was previously published as part of the Perchance to Dream anthology of young adult Shakespeare retellings*