Once Upon a Page

Once upon a time, I made a place for my stories ✨Welcome to Once Upon Amanda

Chapter One: The Rookie 

The doors of Station 21 swung wide as I stepped inside, and with that first breath, I knew I wasn’t in the academy anymore. The air was thicker, heavier—like it had been chewed up by decades of tired cops and spit back out again. Burnt coffee. Gun oil. Cold steel. Cigarette smoke sunk into the plaster so deep you could almost scrape it off with a knife. Beneath it all lingered the faint metallic tang of handcuffs and rusted lockers, a taste sharp enough to coat the back of my tongue. 

Fluorescent lights hummed overhead, casting everything in jaundiced shades of yellow. The bulbs flickered, like they were just as worn down as the men and women under them. Desks lined the floor in uneven rows, stacked high with case files and Styrofoam cups gone soft with old coffee stains. Some had police scanners squawking static, others had half-eaten donuts abandoned like forgotten crime scene evidence. The floors told their own story: scuffed linoleum, sticky in patches where soda had spilled, the faint grit of cigarette ash crunching under my boots. 

I slowed down, taking it in the way a kid might walk into Yankee Stadium for the first time—eyes darting, ears catching everything, skin buzzing. Except this wasn’t baseball. This was where the war on New York’s smallest sins was fought. 

The station pulsed with noise. Phones rang sharp and insistent, their shrill cries layered one over the other until it became a kind of music—punctuated by the slap of paperwork on desks, the low growl of printers spitting out reports, and the deep cough of a vending machine swallowing another crumpled dollar. From somewhere deeper in the building came the echo of a cell door slamming shut. The sound rattled through the walls and into my chest like the boom of a bass drum. 

The smell of fried food snuck in through the cracked window near the front, probably from the diner across the street. It mixed with the sour reek of sweat-soaked uniforms, the tang of bleach from last night’s mop job, and that distinct chemical edge of industrial soap used in bathrooms you didn’t want to visit unless you had to. I swallowed hard, tasting the station before I’d even spoken a word. 

Cops milled about, each locked into their ritual. A grizzled sergeant leaned back in his chair, boots kicked up, stirring his coffee with a pencil because spoons were a luxury. His tie was loosened halfway, shirt collar stained with the ghost of mustard from a long-gone hot dog. Two uniforms hunched over a clipboard near the booking desk, muttering as they checked boxes with the gravity of surgeons. Another officer sat on the edge of his desk, laughing too loud, powdered sugar raining down from the donut in his hand like fresh snow on a crime scene. 

A new children's book is out. Could you check it out?

Three little dragons set out to build their very first homes— one of straw, one of sticks, and one of strong stone.

But just when they settle in… CLANG! CRASH! BANG! A big, bad Knight shows up, and he’s determined to huff, puff, and smash those dragon doors down!

Can the three little dragons outsmart the Knight and protect their cozy new homes?

A fiery twist on a classic tale—full of laughs, bravery, and dragon-sized fun!

Reading age4 - 8 years

Print length39 pages

LanguageEnglish

✨ It’s here! After months of writing, editing, planning, and prayer, I am thrilled to announce the launch of my newest book: Hearts of the Academy! This isn’t just another story—it’s a journey of faith, love, and destiny that I cannot wait to share with you.

📖 About the Book Launch

Hearts of the Academy is a YA fantasy romance set in a magical academy where prophecy, friendship, and faith collide. But this launch isn’t only about releasing a book — it’s about building a community of readers who love stories that inspire and point back to God’s truth.

Here’s what’s happening:

Soft Launch → Early sneak peeks for subscribers and followers

Launch Day Boost → Live Q&A

After Launch → Reader highlights, devotionals tied to the book’s themes, and sneak peeks at future stories.

🎥 Special Launch Video

In this video, I’ll be sharing: ✨ The heart behind Hearts of the Academy ✨ How this book advances God’s Kingdom through storytelling ✨ Why I’m so excited for YOU to join me on this journey

📅 Release Date

➡️ TBA — the official date is coming soon, and once it’s confirmed, I’ll post a countdown here so you can celebrate with me!

🚀 How You Can Join the Launch

Reblog this post to spread the word!

Preorder/purchase once the link is live https://a.co/d/2gXnhDR

Follow me here on Tumblr

❤️ Final Word

I’m beyond excited to share that my children’s book, The Space Prince’s Journey, is now live on Amazon!

This whimsical adventure follows a young prince among the stars on a quest filled with wonder, courage, and discovery. Perfect for bedtime reading or sparking a child’s imagination ✨

👉 You can grab your copy here: https://a.co/d/32EVXMs

Thank you so much for the support—this dream is only possible because of readers like you. 💫

“Cowboy of the Grand Line 🤠🌊”

☕📖 Chapter One Begins…

Gotham, the City of Crime

The night draped Gotham in its usual shroud of shadows, a city of towering skyscrapers and whispered crimes lurking beneath its neon glow. On the rooftop of a high-rise, the Dark Knight stood, his silhouette cutting against the moonlit sky, his cape shifting with the breeze. Beside him was Catwoman, her emerald eyes glinting with mischief, perched effortlessly on the ledge with a teasing smile on her lips. Tonight was no different from any other, a night of chasing criminals and patrolling the restless streets, except for one thing.

Bruce turned to Selina, his expression unreadable behind the cowl, yet something in his stance betrayed him. A rare flicker of vulnerability.

"Selina, I've been wanting to ask you something."

Selina arched a brow, intrigued. "Oh? And what could possibly make Gotham's brooding knight sound nervous?"

Bruce exhaled slowly, steadying himself, then reached for her hand. "Will you marry me?"

The words hung in the air between them, swallowed by the hum of the city below. Selina blinked. Of all the things she'd expected tonight, this wasn't one of them. Her heart skipped a beat. "Are you serious?" She asked, searching his masked face for any sign of hesitation.

A small, knowing smile ghosted across Bruce's lips. "I am." His voice was steady, unwavering. "What do you say?"

Selina hesitated only briefly before her expression softened into something rare and genuine. Then, with a playful smirk, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him close.

"Yes," she whispered before pressing her lips to his. The city, for once, faded into the background.

The grand hall of Wayne Manor was unlike it had ever been before—transformed into a breathtaking scene of elegance and celebration. Chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, casting soft reflections against the polished floors. Gotham's elite and closest allies gathered for the long-awaited union of Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle. The guests were Alfred Pennyworth, Lucius Fox, Commissioner Jim Gordon, and Leslie Thompkins, while the Bat Family stood closest to the groom. Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, and Damian Wayne stood as groomsmen, while Barbara Gordon and Zatanna were among Selina's closest attendants. At the altar, Bruce Wayne stood tall, his face unreadable yet carrying a rare softness—an unspoken devotion reserved only for her. Then, the grand doors of the manor opened, and Selina Kyle entered, a vision in a sleek, form-fitting, yet elegant gown. A smirk played on her lips as she locked eyes with Bruce.

A rare peace had settled over Gotham. For once, no alarms, no sirens—just this moment. Until the doors slammed open once more. The air turned cold. The chatter fell silent. Talia al Ghul was standing at the entrance, dressed in flowing dark robes. She did not look out of place among Gotham's wealthy elite—her beauty was as striking as dangerous. But her presence alone sent a wave of unease through the crowd. A shadow loomed behind her, League of Shadows assassins standing just outside, waiting, watching.

Bruce immediately stepped forward, positioning himself between Talia and Selina. His voice was low, sharp. "Leave."

Talia's lips curled into an amused smirk. "Oh, beloved, is that any way to greet an old friend?"

Selina raised a brow. "Friend? That's rich. What do you want, Talia? An invitation?"

Talia chuckled, stepping forward with slow, deliberate grace. "I would never be so gauche as to interrupt your special day without reason." Her sharp green eyes landed on Bruce. "I only came to deliver a warning."

The room tensed.

Damian's hand twitched at his sword's hilt. "Mother—"

Talia barely spared him a glance. "A new era is coming, my son. And I came to offer your father one last chance."

Her gaze flickered back to Bruce, something almost like regret shadowing her face—before it was gone, replaced by cold certainty.

"You have chosen your path, Bruce. But you do not see the danger ahead. The world you cherish and the people you love are all fleeting."

Bruce's jaw tightened. "Whatever game you're playing, it won't work. Gotham is not yours to take."

Talia exhaled, almost disappointed. "You are always so stubborn."

She took one more step closer, her voice a whisper between them.

"Enjoy your happiness while it lasts, my love. For soon, everything you know will be unmade."

A shiver passed through the room. Even those who didn't understand the weight of her words felt it—an omen of something dark approaching.

Selina narrowed her eyes. "Is that a threat?"

Talia smiled, turning toward the door. "No, dear Selina. It is a promise."

With that, she strode out of Wayne Manor, her League of Shadows followers falling in step behind her.

The heavy silence lingered.

Bruce let out a slow breath, his hand unconsciously tightening around Selina's.

She arched a brow at him. "Well, that was dramatic."

Alfred, clearing his throat, stepped forward. "Shall we carry on, then?"

A beat passed. Then, Bruce turned back to Selina.

"Yes."

And as if reclaiming the moment, he reached for her hand again. The ceremony resumed, the guests relaxing, laughter returning to the air. But Bruce knew better. Talia's words would haunt him long after this day. Something was coming. And for the first time in a long time, he wasn't sure if even he could stop it.

Time had passed since the wedding. Selina Kyle-Wayne, now visibly pregnant, could not shake the weight of Talia's warning. She had seen many dangers, but this felt different—like an inevitability approaching them.

Determined to find answers, she made a bold and dangerous decision.

"Hashira Energy, Everyday"

Master Swordswoman: Demon Slayer Cosplay Inspired by Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, this outfit blends graceful elegance with a touch of deadly precision. From the butterfly accents to the soft yet commanding presence, every detail nods to Shinobu’s calm demeanor and razor-sharp skill. A tribute to one of the most iconic and quietly fierce warriors in anime.

Fanfiction Gotham Hallow series.

 Kael Ashenbright moves like a whisper over still water - elegant, unreadable, and unnervingly precise. Though young, he holds the rank of advanced duelist and was placed directly into tactical combat courses ahead of schedule. His storm-gray eyes betray little emotion, yet his presence shifts the energy of any room. He speaks little, listens always, and when he does strike - verbally or with blade - it is with calculated purpose.

Rael Draven is not the boy who rose through the ranks - he's the boy who survived them. Towering and muscular, scarred in places he rarely talks about, Rael wears his reputation like he wears his armor - tight and battle-worn. At just 17, he has seen real combat, and it shows in every guarded look and clipped command. His red hair is always messy, like everything else about him - raw, rough, and honest. He doesn't believe in heroics. He believes in keeping the people behind him alive, no matter what it takes. There are whispers that Rael once lost a squad during a training ambush... and that he's never allowed himself to forget. 

Lysander Vale is the brain behind the barrier spells, the notes behind the breakthroughs, and the reason half the magic in the east wing doesn't explode. Gifted with glyphcraft and rune translation, he's perpetually one book ahead and three hours behind on sleep. His pale blue eyes dart from symbol to symbol with a hunger to understand. Though often overwhelmed by social interaction, his quiet resolve and loyalty make him one of the Academy's most respected scholars-in-training. Just don't touch his research. Or his coffee.

Silas Cassian knows how to vanish in a crowd and survive in the wild. With freckles dusting his sun-worn skin and a watchful gaze that sees more than he says, Silas is as elusive as the wind and twice as hard to catch. He rarely volunteers information, but his instincts have saved more lives than most spells. Scarred, seasoned, and perpetually alert, he looks like someone who's been hunted - and never forgot it. Trust takes time with Silas. But once given, he never fails you.

Donatello - or "Donny" to his more fireproof friends - is what happens when magical theory meets volatile experimentation. He's brilliant, barely contained, and possibly combustible. His enchanted tools jingle when he walks, his sleeves are always rolled, and his fingers carry evidence of too many late-night projects. Somewhere between genius and chaos, Donatello is responsible for several Academy evacuations... and half its energy breakthroughs. He doesn't just build magic - he dares it to fail.