“That's not a good idea—”
“Yeah, we need a better plan than that.”
“No. Look, the Stone's right under our noses—we might never get this kind of chance again! Please, let me do this. I need to prove it to myself.”
Aldor's eyes narrowed. “Prove what?”
“That I'm as brave and gritty as all of you.”
“You don't need to prove anything,” said Aldor softly. He fingered his necklace. “Really. You're probably the bravest one here. Keira, I—I told Rolav that I wouldn't let you get hurt.”
“Then let me prove it to him. I want to tell him when we make it back that I got the Stone.”
Aldor took a deep breath. “Okay.”
He stepped aside for Keira to take his place. Everyone watched on pins and needle as she slowly lowered her chalk-white hands into the casket and gripped the Stone. After a few minutes
