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: Unlike the traditional fairy tale, Rumplestiltskin kills the Fairy Godmother to take her wand and intervenes in Cinderella's life himself.

: In the modern world, Cinderella is Ashley Boyd , a 19-year-old single mother-to-be who feels trapped and powerless. Once_upon_a_time_1x04

In the Once Upon a Time episode , the story reimagines the classic tale of Cinderella through a dark, high-stakes deal with Rumplestiltskin. The Enchanted Forest: A Twisted Contract : Unlike the traditional fairy tale, Rumplestiltskin kills

: Emma tells Ashley that people will always try to tell her who she is, but she has the power to change her own story. The Enchanted Forest: A Twisted Contract : Emma

: Cinderella (Ella) signs a contract to attend the royal ball and escape her life of servitude. In exchange, Rumplestiltskin demands her firstborn child —a debt she unknowingly agrees to without reading the fine print.

: Emma Swan finds Ashley and empathizes with her struggle, encouraging her to "punch back" and change her own life. To save Ashley's baby, Emma strikes her own deal with Mr. Gold: he lets Ashley keep the child, but Emma now owes Gold a favor . Key Themes & Character Insights