After a moment of hesitation, she held out the bear.
Max leaned in and sniffed, whining again. Daniels turned the toy over in his hands. Something felt off. Near the middle, one spot seemed firmer than the rest. Gently pressing, he realized something solid was hidden inside.
Working carefully along a loose seam, he opened the bear just enough to peek inside.
And froze.
Tucked in a faded handkerchief was a small velvet pouch. He slid it out slowly and opened it.
