[ She straightens, her eyes (up until this point girlish and bemused) suddenly finding a sharpness — not quite animal but not quite innocent. A presence that comes with declaring her own name (it's a source of shame and strength in her world; you do not fuck with a Saint or they'll buy up your debt just so that they can eat you). ]
Philomela. [ The highest houses have rules as to what they can name their children. She doesn't need to say 'Saint'. Theirs is the only family allowed a Philomela. (They cut out of her tongue and cut off her hands. Mother thought she was being clever; she thought I'd never survive.) ]
no subject
Philomela. [ The highest houses have rules as to what they can name their children. She doesn't need to say 'Saint'. Theirs is the only family allowed a Philomela. (They cut out of her tongue and cut off her hands. Mother thought she was being clever; she thought I'd never survive.) ]