35

[+Blood] "Pardon, pardon," you whisper. "Let me know if you'd prefer this manner of entrance."

You rush out the barn door and wait three heartbeats before entering again on your belly, like a snake.

"Psssst."

She raises an eyebrow at you.

"Psssst, McKenna," you hiss again, waving. "It's Bandochel, your brother."

"More's the pity," she deadpans.

"I'll have another go." You leap up, dust yourself off, and dash back outside. "Let me know how you like this one!"

"I like the bit where you left, that was good," she calls back.

Five heartbeats later, you step back into view with a handful of pebbles and make as if to flick one towards her.

"S'blood, Bandochel, just come in and stay, if you must." McKenna sighs and steps away from the work table, rubbing her eyes with thumb and forefinger.

Onward