Chapter 79

The clear sky darkened abruptly, heavy clouds gathering at a visible pace.

"It's really going to rain!" Cole Turner tilted his head to observe the rapidly shifting sky, his eyes flashing with astonishment.

He turned to Aria Bennett, his tone tinged with disbelief. "Your prediction is downright uncanny!"

Aria's lips curved slightly. "I told you I had this ability."

"I believe you now!" Cole waved his hands emphatically. "From now on, I'll trust whatever you say."

"Let's pack up and head into the cave first." Aria pointed toward the nearby cliffside.

Cole exchanged a glance with Tobias Kane. "Wait here. We'll check it out first."

Wild caves often housed dangerous beasts, and they couldn’t afford to be careless.

"Be careful." Aria swept a glance over their faces, confirming no ill omens.

Before long, the two men emerged, tossing several snakes far away.

"All clear. Come on in."

The cave was spacious and dry, easily accommodating the entire group.

No sooner had they settled in than the sound of pattering rain echoed outside, quickly escalating into a downpour.

Now, everyone looked at Aria with newfound awe—this wasn’t luck, but genuine skill!

"Aria, you’re amazing!" Jonah Pierce sidled up, eyes sparkling.

Caleb Monroe nodded with a smile. "Color me impressed."

He silently congratulated himself for buying Aria’s talisman earlier—it had been worth every penny.

"Ms. Bennett is incredible!"

"A real oracle!"

The other participants chimed in with praise.

Aria waved them off. "Keep this up, and I might get a big head."

Serena Blake dug her nails into her palms, seething. She had hoped to see Aria humiliated, only to watch her steal the spotlight instead!

As the rain intensified, the group gathered to chat.

Caleb couldn’t resist asking, "Was that the I Ching divination you used earlier?"

"Just a minor locating technique." Aria shook her head. "The I Ching is more complex."

"So you can perform I Ching divination?" Caleb’s eyes lit up.

"I can."

"Are there any taboos around it?" Caleb probed cautiously.

Aria understood his meaning. "Fortune-telling shouldn’t be discussed openly."

Caleb exhaled in relief. "Then… could I book a session?"

"I have two slots left this month." Aria agreed readily. "After the show wraps, I’ll read yours."

"Perfect!" Caleb beamed.

Cole immediately cut in. "Save the other slot for me? I know the rules."

Having always held metaphysics in reverence, he wasn’t about to miss this chance with a true master.

"Deal." Aria nodded.

Seeing their success, Jonah joined in. "Can I book one for next month?"

"We’ll talk next month." Aria chuckled, then studied his forehead for a moment. "Jonah, be careful these next two days—you might face an impending disaster."

Jonah’s smile froze. "Can it be avoided?"

"Just stay away from hillsides." Aria reassured him. "It’s not serious."

Jonah let out a long breath. "I’ll be extra careful!"

The rain persisted until nightfall, leaving everyone famished.

Just as they worried about dinner, Aria pulled energy bars from her bag, sharing half with Audrey Lane.

Damian Cross and the others also retrieved their rations, washing them down with morning dew they’d collected.

The rest of the group watched enviously, filled with regret—

"If only we’d listened to Aria earlier!" Jonah groaned, clutching his growling stomach in despair.