The Curse of Time - Book 1 - Bloodstone

This is the prologue followed by the first chapter (puzzle piece) of The Curse of Time - Book 1 - Bloodstone which I hope to publish soon. The Curse Of Time is a YA/middle grade fantasy set in Cambridge UK. Sixteen year old Amelina Scott's life is blighted by a curse. She receives an invitation to visit the magical Krystallos cottage, but the cottage is illusive. Against her mother's warnings she searches for the cottage close to her home. To begin with the search is in vain. It is on this forbidden river walkway that Amelina first encounters Ryder. He appears just at the right moment, rescuing her from a perilous encounter. Amelina can't believe her luck. He's constantly on her mind. She has never met anyone like him before. His mesmerising eyes draw her to him. But appearances can be deceptive. Is he what he seems? Is he to be trusted? Will the Krystallos cottage reveal itself, and help her cure the curse, or will its secrets be entombed forever?