Threads of Tomorrow

By Zephyr Wrenwood

In the hidden heart of Elmsworth, young Anna discovers an ancient clock unlike any other. As its golden thread sends her hurtling back in time, a silver one reveals a future in ruins. Guided by the enigmatic Ms. Tiller and haunted by cryptic warnings, Anna and her friend Liam are caught in a race against time itself. As they untangle the weave of destiny, Anna learns that choices are more than mere chances—they're responsibilities. 

 

Dive into a world where every tick can change the course of history and every tock hides a secret waiting to be unraveled. Can Anna mend the fabric of time before it's too late, or will she become yet another thread lost to tomorrow?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Solstice Skylancer
• Release date: Sep 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223153467

Book preview

Prologue:

In a snug corner of the town of Elmsworth, where streets were lined with candy-colored houses and children played hopscotch after school, there was an old library. It wasn’t the biggest building, but it was certainly the coziest. With its brick walls, friendly librarians, and the smell of old books filling the air, it was everyone’s favorite place to be on a rainy afternoon.

Above the rows of adventure tales, fairy stories, and history books, there was an attic. It was the kind of place grown-ups forgot about and children dared each other to explore. And right in the middle of this attic stood a peculiar clock. It wasn’t like the digital clocks children had in their bedrooms, or even like the big grandfather clock at the town hall. This clock, with its curious patterns and unpredictable ticking, had stories of its own.

Not many knew about this clock, but old Mr. Thompson, who had been the librarian for more than anyone could remember, sometimes told tales about it. On days when the library was quiet and a child showed the particular spark of curiosity, he’d lean in and whisper tales of time gone topsy-turvy, of days long past and adventures yet to come.

For most, these tales were just fun stories, a way to spend a lazy afternoon. But for Anna and Liam, two friends with an insatiable thirst for adventure, the clock in the attic was about to become a doorway to the most incredible journey of their lives.

Chapter 1: The Disappearing Thread

In the small town of Elmsworth, houses leaned toward each other as if sharing secrets. On Oakwood Lane, the oldest house stood tall with windows that twinkled mysteriously, even on the gloomiest of days. This was Anna's new home.

Anna gazed up at it with wide, hazel eyes, her black bangs swaying slightly in the cool breeze. It looks...alive, she whispered to herself.

Anna's younger brother, Toby, glanced up from his toy truck, squinting at the house. Like it's gonna eat us?

Anna giggled, ruffling Toby's hair. Not eat us, silly. Just...watch over us.

As Anna took in her surroundings, she felt both excitement and nostalgia. Elmsworth had the kind of charm that made one think of freshly baked pies cooling on window sills and neighborhood games of hide and seek. Yet, Anna couldn’t shake off the feeling that the town also held ancient tales waiting to be uncovered.

Their mother interrupted Anna’s reverie, Alright kids, time to unpack! This house has been in our family for generations. Let’s fill it with warmth and memories.

Anna and Toby raced each other to the front door, their laughter echoing down the lane. The inside was just as enchanting. Dust particles danced in the sunbeams that sneaked through the curtains, revealing hardwood floors and elegant furniture that had the scent of old stories.

Anna's curiosity pulled her to explore. The house was a maze of rooms and hallways, each holding surprises: an old typewriter, family portraits with stern faces, and trinkets from all over the world. But what caught her attention the most was a door leading to the attic. It creaked in protest as she nudged it open.

A hushed stillness enveloped the attic. Dusty boxes lay scattered, a testament to years of storage. Anna sneezed as she sifted through a box labeled Grandma Elsie’s things, finding lace dresses, brittle letters, and an odd-looking pendant. But at the far end of the attic, partly concealed by draped cloths, was an intricately carved clock. It wasn’t ticking, yet it seemed...alive, much like the house.