My Lesbian Poet of Lesbos: A Filthy Sapphic Ancient Greek Romance

I came to these sun-warmed temple steps on Lesbos ready to defend my verses against Tabitha, but our rivalry has drawn us into this collaboration that leaves no room for distance or the safety I have always relied upon to survive as a poetess. Her intense presence commands the space between us, her words precise and low as they challenge mine, and I sense my assertive front faltering under the weight of her hidden need for control that mirrors my own fear of being left behind.

The collaboration runs on her terms now, and she sets them in a voice that does not ask twice. I know I should withdraw to guard the independence that has kept me safe from abandonment, yet the promise of her dominance draws me closer to a surrender I fear will change everything.

The others reach the temple steps soon. She has not told me I may go.