Scarification. Advertising banners around the city promoted the unique art form, though few were willing to undergo the painful process. The only salon offering such services also functioned as an ordinary tattoo parlor, where Vivienne spent most days applying conventional ink to clients who lacked the fortitude for his true specialty.

Vivienne finished his coffee as his appointment time approached. He had prepared his instruments meticulously - scalpels sterilized, numbing agents measured, trays arranged for the procedure. The bell above the door chimed as his 3 PM client stepped inside, a man whose imposing presence seemed to fill the small space.

They had discussed the design thoroughly beforehand: olive branches intertwined along the spine, transitioning to red ink at the neck. Without speaking, the client removed his coat and shirt, placing them carefully on a nearby chair before settling into position with his back to Vivienne.

Vivienne prepared the skin with antiseptic, the sharp scent cutting through the air. He loaded a syringe with numbing agent, the liquid glinting in the light as he tapped air bubbles from the chamber. The client barely flinched as the needle pierced his skin at several points along his back.

When the anesthesia took effect, Vivienne selected his scalpel and positioned himself on a stool behind the client. He asked him to lower his waistband slightly to expose more of his lower back, the skin taut over muscle. The cold steel finally touched flesh, drawing the first precise line and a single bead of blood that welled immediately.

They worked in silence broken only by Vivienne's occasional questions about healing preferences. The client sat perfectly still despite the pain that must be breaking through the local anesthetic. Vivienne found himself strangely fascinated by how well the design suited this dangerous man - as if his skin was made to be marked in this permanent way.

By the end of the session, only the main details were completed. "Try not to sleep on your back or make any sudden movements that could open the wound," Vivienne instructed, placing bloody instruments on his tray. He explained the aftercare routine in meticulous detail before helping the client dress, his fingers brushing against warm skin as he pulled the shirt over the fresh wounds.

Their eyes met as the client turned to leave. "See you in a week," Vivienne smiled, surprised by his own boldness as he added, "No stress. Even if you really want to."

Watching his client depart with fluid movements despite the fresh scars, Vivienne cleaned his workspace with a sense of satisfaction. Four more sessions would be needed to complete the design, and he found himself looking forward to each one with professional and personal anticipation.