"The woods are filled with dangerous beasts. Perhaps the dwarves have already been eaten," the guard said, shifting his weight.
Come on, man, Mirror thought, desperately hoping he would move enough to the side that he wouldn't be standing directly on the discolored square any more. Out of the corner of her eye, Mirror saw Clara's hand inching toward the candle sconce.
Move, dude, move, Mirror prayed.
Victor's eyes were hard. "And yet you bring me no evidence. I wanted either their labor or their hearts on my desk. You bring me nothing." He gripped the gem in his necklace. "I have no use for an incompetent guard." He flicked his fingers and Clara pulled down the candle sconce.
The ground under the guard fell away, and the man's screams were immediately silenced as the floor plate slid b
