Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 648

Memories from the past came alive vividly for Violeta.

She could almost see herself from her previous life, working in the backyard, drawing water, and weaving baskets.

A priest came over and said, "Miss, our Master invites you to join us for a meal."

As Violeta was lost in thought, she turned and replied, "Oh, thank you. Sorry to trouble you."

The priest continued, "It's no trouble, but it's just simple oatmeal and berries. I'm not sure if you'll find it suitable."

Violeta thought, What's difficult about oatmeal? and answered, "I'm sure I can manage."

Walking to the dining hall, Terrel took the main seat, Terrel's junior sat beside him, and three disciples sat in order.

The youngest disciple, who had escorted Violeta, was named Elden Moran.

He set a chair for her and handed her a bowl of oatmeal.

Violeta greeted the senior priests before starting her meal.

As they ate, the conversation shifted to deciding who would go down the mountain to sell the woven items this month.

Violeta listened quietly without saying a word.

One of the disciples asked how long she intended to stay at the Hermitage. She had originally planned to spend just one night and leave the following day.

Yet, how could she stay only a single night at the Hermitage? Setting her spoon down, Violeta replied, "I wish to remain here for a few more days. Honestly, ever since I arrived, I've felt a deep sense of familiarity, as if destiny brought me to the Hermitage. This feeling isn't just about this place. I also feel a strong bond with each of you. Perhaps, in another life, we were all part of the same family."

"Additionally, my dream led me here to restore the golden statue of the deity in the Hermitage, and I respectfully seek the approval of all you," Violeta added.

Her words left everyone in shock.

It was unprecedented for someone to willingly offer to restore the deity's golden statue.

The final decision, however, rested with Terrel.

All eyes turned to him.

Taking the last spoonful of oatmeal, Terrel nodded and said, "Very well, you may stay in the Hermitage for a while."

"Terrel, do you agree to this so readily? Restoring the golden statue isn't a trivial task."

Terrel responded, "Ah, this is a matter of destiny."

…

Watching him go, Violeta smiled and then headed back to her small bamboo hut.

There was no phone signal up here, almost completely cut off from the rest of the world.

However, Violeta had brought a satellite phone, allowing her to stay in touch with the outside. Once back in her room, she first let her family know she was safe and then provided them with a specific set of coordinates.

In theory, restoring the statues was straightforward, but it required both manpower and materials.

The mountain path was hard to navigate, and the Hermitage priests lacked the funds to restore the statues, so the figures in the main hall were already showing signs of wear.

Decades earlier, a powerful wind had torn a large hole in the ceiling. Although they eventually repaired it, the statues had already begun to peel from exposure to the weather.

Before leaving the mountain in her past life, Violeta had made a wish in front of the statues.

If her wish ever came true, she planned to return and restore the statues.

After sending the coordinates, a helicopter would arrive with materials and workers to assist with the project.

The time required for the restoration would likely allow Violeta to remain at the Hermitage for a few months.

With Terrel's consent, Violeta chose to stay at the Hermitage for now.