The Mute Bride, Red Wine and Blood

It had been ten years since Bennett Pierce took me in. Today, he finally ran out of patience and put me on the auction block for his wealthy friends.

When the red velvet curtain rose, someone let out a low whistle. Their smiles were oily and suggestive.

"I heard she's a mute. Playing with a girl who can't scream must have a special kind of flavor."

"But Bennett, you've raised this girl for a decade. Are you really okay with giving her away?"

"Why wouldn't I be? She's not actually mute. She c