Once Upon A Realm: Remixed Fairy Tales by Diverse Voices

ONCE UPON A REALM

REMIXED FAIRY TALES BY DIVERSE VOICES

K. R. S. MCENTIRE

MONTREZ

ALICIA ELLIS

R. L. MEDINA

E. M. LACEY

KRYSTINA COLES

DIVERSE BOOKS WITH MAGIC

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, uploaded, or transmitted in any form without the author’s written consent. This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2024 by K. R. S. McEntire

Copyright © 2024 by Montrez

Copyright © 2024 by Alicia Ellis

Copyright © 2024 by R. L. Medina

Copyright © 2024 by E.M. Lacey

Copyright © 2024 by Krystina Coles

Once Upon A Realm: Remixed Fairy Tales by Diverse Voices

Published by: Diverse Books With Magic

Edited by: Jennifer Roachford at Curly Tales Publishing

Formatted by: Keshia McEntire

Character art by: Ian Sebastian

Cover Design: Miblart

Paperback ISBN: 9781939452580

Ebook ISBN: 9781939452597

To those who searched for their reflection in the enchanted mirrors of classic tales in vain, yet refused to accept the limitations placed upon their stories.

For the brave souls who dare to rewrite their endings, turning their fates into fairy tales.

For the seekers of magic in a world that forgot how to believe.

These stories are for you. Welcome home.

CONTENTS

Introduction

Liam

Fable

Liam

Fable

Liam

Fable

Liam

About the Author

Sunflowers and Snickerdoodles

Shadow and Song

Angels and Wishflowers

Tall Tales and Truths

Hope and Terror

Shadows and Song

Sunshine and Roses

Epilogue

About the Author

Gia

Lena

Gia

Gia

Gia

Lena

Gia

Lena

Harlan

Gia

Gia

About the Author

Glossary and Pronunciation Guide

One

Two

Three

Four

About the Author

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

About the Author

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

About the Author

Thank you

Dear Readers,

I’ve always been captivated by fairy tales. What’s not to love? They have adventure, romance, magic, and almost always a guarantee of happily ever after … At least they do in our modern versions.

The truth is, these tales as old as time have been reimagined time and time again, growing from dark and dangerous cautionary tales to the safe love stories we consume as children. Despite these revisions, it seemed as though the majority of these stories were confined to portraying only one type of heroine, often the story of a rich princess with skin as white as snow.

That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce Once Upon a Realm: Remixed Fairytales by Diverse Voices, an anthology that breathes new life into classic tales by offering fresh perspectives from six writers of diverse backgrounds. With each story, we shatter stereotypes and challenge the traditional narrative, inviting readers of all ages to embark on a journey where every voice is heard and every person is valued.

In these pages, you’ll find tales that resonate with universal themes of love, courage, and resilience, reminding us that regardless of our backgrounds or circumstances, joy can always be found. These stories were written with teen readers in mind, but these themes are universal. We believe that seeing oneself reflected in the stories we tell is empowering—it builds confidence, reaffirming that our voices matter and that our stories can have happy endings.

Each story is crafted to be bite-sized—novella length—allowing readers to immerse themselves in a complete and satisfying tale in one sitting. And the best part? If you find yourself falling in love with the worlds we’ve created, know that all of these stories are connected to full-length books or series by each author.

We are excited to welcome you to embark on six fairytale-inspired fantasy and sci-fi adventures. We hope you find new favorite authors within these pages and that our stories inspire you to dream, to believe, and to embrace the magic within.

Welcome to Once Upon a Realm.

- Keshia McEntire

K. R. S. MCENTIRE

In a dystopian world where the boundaries between predator and prey blur, Fable wasn’t just Liam’s lover—she was his sanctuary. Their cozy cabin in the secluded woods was the only refuge where Liam could exist without the threat of death for being who he was. But on the fateful night of the full moon, a wolf enters their sanctuary, a relentless pursuit shatters their haven, and Fable vanishes without a trace.

Now, Liam embarks on a perilous mission:

Sneak into the city

Infiltrate the Wardens’ lair

And reclaim the woman he loves

The city may be full of ruthless killers, but Liam harbors a deadly dark secret within himself. Can he outwit the predators and bring Fable home?

A dystopian adventure loosely inspired by the tale of Little Red Riding Hood. This story takes place in the world of The Eden Saga book series by K. R. S. McEntire.

LIAM

Liam burrowed beneath threadbare blankets, his tiny fingers clutching his favorite book of fairytales. He squinted as his flashlight flickered like lightning, illuminating the pages in bursts. Between spells of total darkness, he devoured stories the way other kids devoured sweet treats. Liam loved stories where darkness was defeated by light and heroes found their happily-ever-afters in the bleakest of circumstances. He savored the light he found in the heroes, heroines, and magical worlds. Someday, he promised himself, he’d go on an adventure and find the same type of light in the real world.

As Liam read, he wondered what it would be like to be a hero or to rescue a damsel from her distress. But mostly, he wondered what grass would feel like under his toes or how the sun would feel if it touched his honey-brown skin.

There wasn’t much grass left outside. At least, that’s what he’d been told. He’d never had the opportunity to investigate that claim himself—the underground tunnels beneath the Chicago settlement were the only home he’d ever known.

His makeshift bed—the inside of a weathered wooden shipping crate—did little to shield him from the sound of his parents whispering outside. On most nights, he tuned them out and focused on the stories in his book. He’d just finished one about a tin soldier and was starting a new one about a mermaid. But his parents typically whispered about low rations and dangerous raids from Wardens, not him. At the mention of his name, his ears perked up and his attention was pulled to their words.

Liam’s not like us, his father, Gregory, whispered. He can live a good life out there with regular people.

His mother, Hanna, sighed. The best kind of life is one where you are surrounded by people who love you. He is just a kid, and a kid needs family.

Liam put the book down, unraveled himself from his blanket fort, and peered out of the crate. His parents were sitting on a sleeping cot, huddled close to the light of a dull lantern, with their backs to Liam.

The Resistance offered to help him enroll in the settlement school, Father said. They will give him a free place to stay. He will find new people to love him in the Resistance and at school. He doesn’t have any mutations, so he doesn’t need to live down here. He will not be killed if he enters the settlement. No one would choose the type of life we have for themselves if they had a better option.

Unease gnawed at Liam’s insides, causing his brow to furrow. He put his nose back in his book and decided not to trouble himself with his parents’ confusing words. His flickering flashlight abruptly sputtered out, leaving him feeling disheartened. It might be months until the Resistance could spare him a new battery. The darkness permitted him to drift off to sleep.

Hanna rolled a sticky blue tarp over the damp and dirty ground. Her snake-like blue skin caught the light of Gregory’s small fire pit and glistened in a way Liam thought was beautiful. His father held a boiling pot atop the fire, letting its contents bubble over and spill onto his fingers and hands. Liam winced. Even though he knew the fire and hot water would not hurt his dad, it still looked painful.

Rose and Risa, two tall and broad-shouldered twins who lived with their family, broke open a large crate of rations with their oversized bare hands and pulled two servings out. Liam grabbed spoons and mugs from a large metal tin where they kept cups and silverware away from bugs and rodents, and everyone gathered on the tarp to eat. Liam stepped onto the tarp, using his foot to feel for a spot that wasn’t too dirty or sticky. It had been a while since they’d washed the tarp—they had other uses for what little water they had.

He plopped down next to Rose, who gave him a smile after wishing him a good morning. As rations for two were split between five and broth was poured into mugs, Liam couldn’t help but notice how unusually quiet all of the adults in his unit were.

I’ve been reading a new story in my book, Liam said, breaking the silence. It’s about a mermaid who goes to live with humans.

Hanna’s eyes softened. I’ve read that one. Did you like the story?

Liam nodded. It was his mother who’d gifted him the book of fairytales with beautiful illustrations of what the world looked liked once upon a time. Most people who lived in The City Below didn’t have any books. Sometimes Liam would read to the other mutant kids, and sometimes their parents would listen in, equally excited to hear the stories.

Six years old and already reading. Hanna’s yellow eyes grew misty. I have such a smart boy.

His mother and father exchanged a look, then Hanna sighed and moved to sit next to him.

Liam, I want to ask you a question. It’s a hard question, so you can think about it for as long as you would like before answering. She fidgeted with her hands and forced a tight-lipped smile. If you could move above ground, go to school, and read lots and lots of books, would you want to go even if that meant you can’t see Mommy and Daddy anymore?

Liam frowned. Why wouldn’t I be able to see you?

Well, people who live up there don’t really speak with people who live down here, and traveling back and forth can be dangerous. The people without mutations who live above ground are afraid of us.

Liam scoffed. Why would they be afraid of us? His eyes couldn’t help but drift to Rose and Risa, with their large hands and incredible strength. They are the ones who come down here to hurt us.

Mother nodded. I know, baby. Most mutants aren’t dangerous to humans, yet they act like we carry a deadly plague. But that is why Freedom brings us these rations each month so that we can survive in peace. But you are not like Mommy and Daddy, honey. You were born from two mutants, but you don’t seem to have any mutations yourself. There is no reason you couldn’t go to school and live above ground. You don’t have to hide here with us unless that’s what you want.

Rose whistled and shook her head. That’s a big decision for a little guy.

Liam crossed his arms over his chest. Even though he was young, he knew the world was very different than it was in his books. His mother had done her best to explain how wars, biological weapons, and genetic experiments had almost wiped out all of humanity. What was left of the world was divided between people without mutations who lived in settlements, and mutants who lived in the woods and, in their case, underground. It was almost unheard of for two mutants to have a kid without any mutations, but here Liam was.

Liam had always wanted to see the sun in person and to see if the world was as bad as his mother made it sound. If Freedom could come to The City Below to bring food, he was certain that he could find a way to come back and visit his parents.

I would like to go to school, Liam said, though his chest tightened as soon as the words left his mouth.

A tear slipped down Hanna’s cheek as she pulled Liam into an embrace. You are so brave. You are going to make us all so proud.

Liam sat in his mother’s lap and watched Freedom approach, a large box of food rations balanced atop her head in one hand and a bright flashlight in the other. The bright light of her flashlight bounced around the walls and the floors of the dark tunnels they called home. Butterflies did somersaults in his belly at the sight of her.

This was it. He was leaving home.

Freedom was a tall, blonde woman with sage-green eyes and a stoic face, her iron-clad exterior a shield against the world. For as long as Liam had known her, she’d never been overly friendly, but she had always been eager to help anyone in need. She walked through the dark tunnel with fearlessness, stepping over oversized rats and a three-eyed toad without flinching as she brought their food.

Your unit’s rations may be a little bit low this month, Freedom warned Gregory. Hasey and Daniel just had twins, so I gave them a bit of extra food as she recovers from the birth and tries to keep those babies fed.

Understandable, said Gregory. I’ve met the twins. Adorable little ones.

Freedom plopped the box down in front of them. You guys can keep the box, too, if you need it for anything. You are my last stop today.

Liam peered into the box. There looked to be only half of what they usually received. Liam hoped that after he was gone his unit would have more food to eat.

How are you feeling, baby? Mom whispered in his ear, wrapping her arms around him tightly. You know you don’t have to go if you don’t want to.

I want to go, Liam assured his mother.

Mother leaned in closer to Liam. For the past couple of weeks, she’d been going on and on about how Liam would grow up to make the world a better place if he did well in school.

There are good things in the world that you have the chance to experience out there. I know leaving home is scary, but I don’t want my fear to keep you from all the light and love this world has to offer. You can use what you learn to find a way to help heal this world. You’ll come back to The City Below someday when you are all grown up and tell us about all of the brave things you have done, right?

Liam nodded.

Freedom knelt beside the box so she was closer to Liam’s height. She offered him something he’d rarely seen her offer anyone—a smile.

Hi, Liam, Freedom said. I hear you are coming with me today.

Liam nodded. Mommy says I can go to school.

You’ll be living with me at the Resistance headquarters. You are going to get so much love as the baby of the family. We have a few mutants living with us, but none as young as you.

Mommy says I’m not a mutant.

Right. Well, that’s fine. At the Resistance, you’ll be living in a rare community of both humans, like me, and mutants, like the people you know here. Everyone who lives at the Resistance is working to help mutants. Maybe when you are older you can be a part of that mission.

Liam smiled. Someday, he’d help his mom and dad. He’d help Rose and Risa, too. Will I get to see the sun?

Yes, of course! Freedom laughed.

Liam turned back to his parents. I’ll come back to visit you.

Not until you’re a little bit older. Right now, I just want you to stay safe.

Liam nodded in agreement.

Let’s go, kid. Freedom took off the way she’d come. Liam scurried behind her. A quick glance over his shoulder revealed his mother blowing him a kiss. He blew one back, then ran to catch up with Freedom. She was tall and quick, and every step for her was about three for him.

Liam followed freedom through the darkness of The City Below, past units scarfing their rations, crying babies, and loud mutant animals growling and snarling. Sadness swept over him as he wondered if he’d ever have a chance to read stories to the mutant kids again.

How are you feeling, kid? Freedom asked.

Liam forced himself to stand a little taller and he kept his tone casual. Happy, I guess.

Freedom led Liam to a rusty metal ladder and climbed to the top, where she opened a tiny trap door. Liam knew this trap door was one of the exits of The City Below, but he’d never dared to approach it. As Freedom opened the door, a dull light seeped in. He watched as Freedom climbed the ladder quickly and peered down at him. He took a deep breath and griped the cool metal bars of the ladder and made his way up to Freedom.

Before climbing out, he peered into the room and saw an office full of computers, desks, chairs, and a couple of unfamiliar faces. Liam had never seen a computer or a desk chair, unless he counted old broken computers and furniture parts in a junk pile in The City Below. His eyes scanned the strange room with curiosity as he climbed from the ladder into a new world. The room was brighter than any room he’d ever seen. The air even felt different.

As Liam followed Freedom into the room, he noticed two women who looked younger than Freedom. The shorter of the two girls wore a knee-length blue dress, her curly dark hair falling halfway down her back. The taller girl had her hair in dozens of braids and pulled back away from her face.

Hi, Liam. The girl in blue grinned from ear to ear. We’ve been looking forward to meeting you. I’m Angela, and this is my friend Lilah.

Liam thought Angela’s smile was pretty.

Lilah moved closer to Angela and smiled. Aww, he’s so cute!

Angela stepped closer to Liam and extended her hand to him. We’ve got your bedroom all set up. Would you like to see it?

Liam nodded, and Angela took his hand and led him into the hallway. It felt nice to walk with Angela. Freedom had raced ahead during their journey, and he liked the comfort that holding Angela’s hand brought him. He didn’t need to rush to keep up—she matched her pace to his and made sure he was comfortable.

A new home and a new school all in one day! Those are a lot of big changes.

I’m feeling brave. Liam thought of his favorite fairy tale characters as Angela led him to a small room with a bed and a dresser inside. He knew that if he was to be anything like the heroes in his favorite books, bravery was a trait he’d need to always have.

Liam had never had a real bed, but he read about them in books. Tears flooded Liam’s eyes, and Angela held his hand tighter.

Are you okay, love?

I wish Mommy and Daddy could live here, too, and come to school with me.

I’ll be happy to walk you to school, Angela said, giving Liam’s hand a reassuring squeeze and leading him back to the computer room. Everything is going to be okay, I promise. I’ll take you to school. I’ll pick you up.

But aren’t the Warden’s outside? Liam’s voice was shaky as he thought of Wardens raiding The City Below, capturing, killing, and kidnapping mutants. His mom never told him what happened to the mutants who disappeared without their bodies ever being found, but he had a very active imagination.

Yes, they are, but they won’t hurt you. You’ll be carded. It’s kind of like a fake ID. Before you can go to school, Freedom needs to make you a CitCard. It’s a card that proves you don’t have any mutations, and that you are a citizen of this settlement. Our fake CitCards look close enough to the ones the Wardens create for us to get by.

As Angela spoke, Liam studied her face. Angela’s soft brown skin, pretty dark curly hair, and bright smile showed no signs of mutations.

Are you a mutant like my mom and dad?

Angela nodded. I am. I grew up in isolation in the forest in a big garden. My dad told me that he and I were the last two people alive on all the earth. Turns out, that wasn’t true. That’s a story for another day. The point is, mutants who live above ground are often isolated. I know The City Below can feel bleak and depressing at times, too, but it’s a blessing that you have grown up around so much love and community. Not everyone has that.

Freedom stepped into the bedroom and handed Liam a change of clothes. Hop in the shower and then change into this. You’ll need to clean up if we are going to pull this off.

Shower? Liam asked.

I’ll run him a bath, Lilah said, rushing off to the bathroom. I’ll set some soap and washcloths out for him.

After Liam cleaned himself up and got dressed, Angela took a picture of his face. A large printer purred as it created Liam’s CitCard. Liam’s mouth fell open in shock as he looked at his card.

How did you get my face on it? Liam asked.

It’s a camera. After school today, I can introduce you to some of the technology we have here. Cameras, computers, cars. Angela chuckled to herself. I still remember the first time I saw a car. I was so scared and confused.

Angela’s going to take it from here and walk you to school. Freedom handed Angela the small card. You are in good hands with that one, kid.

Do you know what an elevator is? Angela asked.

Liam shook his head.

Well, we are in a basement right now, and the elevator is how we get up to ground level. It can be a little bit scary the first time you ride one, but you are welcome to keep holding my hand.

Angela led him to a shaky elevator that made Liam’s stomach queasy as it rattled its way up to the unknown. When they reached the ground level in one piece and the doors slid open, Liam noticed tiny bits of light seeping into the building’s boarded-up windows.

Is that … sunlight?

Angela nodded.

Liam's heart raced with excitement. I’ve read about it in a story.

There’s a lot more of it outside. Angela led Liam to the building’s front door.

When she opened the door, light flooded his field of vision. He slipped his hand away from Angela’s grip and covered his eyes.

You just need a little time to adjust, Angela assured him.

When Liam stepped outside, the warmth of the sun on his skin felt like a long-awaited embrace. Angela stood in front of him, shading his eyes from the brightness, then placed her hand over his and eased his hand away.

Liam blinked, squinting in the sun.

You’re all right. She grinned down at him. See?

I never want to be inside again! Liam declared as his eyes adjusted. Sure, the little bit of grass he saw was dark brown instead of green, the streets were littered with trash, and the buildings were mostly dilapidated … but there was grass, streets, buildings, sunlight, and fresh air. It was something out of a fairy tale.

Angela laughed. Well, I can’t promise that, but we can spend as much time outside as we can muster.

Liam skipped ahead as his worry dissipated. The sunlight felt