This is the dark down place, beneath the city and the sun.

I belong to Tallia, her chattel whore. I was given in payment, but came willingly, for a better chance.

In wake time, I suck and fuck as her barter for food and scavenged things. Before sleep, I pleasure her body when she desires me. In between, I tend her fire, beaten if it falters.

Only one thing here is mine alone. Fashioned from a bone I found in the heaps, worked true in secret with careful strokes, it cuts sweet and smooth.

Soon the fire will be mine.