Unbeknownst to the little picnic group, the hallway outside had begun to change. Actually, that wasn't quite it exactly. Rather, it was still changing even now. Slow, subtle transformations that nearly baffled the eye. But so far, all that appeared to be happening was that the walls were moving. No trick, no illusion, no special effect. The walls began moving on their own, as if it were made of tiles and being rearranged.

They moved with rapid pace, silently waiting and abiding their time. The captured subjects wouldn't be leaving this house for quite a while. There was still plenty of time to set up necessary precautions. Gears and mechanisms twisted and groaned as the very mansion itself began to fortify a inner offensive line. It was eager to keep these creatures detained and under control.

At least, until the Collector returned from his trip.