What Hides in The Shadows

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A weak sun rose, its sunlight burning the bones of the building, and throwing a weird hue upon the grasses. Trees stood still, having no wind to affect them. Mist had laid over the grounds, soaking everything through, and added a disturbing element to the scene at hand.

The building stood dominantly, gaping windows showing shards of broken glass; Drapery could often be seen peeking through the panes. Paint peeled off the walls, and a broken staircase laid disturbingly on the floor. Furniture was scattered amongst the building, always decaying and dark; there was no light within the structure.

Writhing and roiling, the shadows cackled demonically. In their nests they hid, horridly interacting amongst each other. Their darkness spread throughout the entire building, leaving nothing out of their evil clutches; Every pore of this dying building was saturated with evil and darkness.

At the end of the gravel drive, a man stood. His shoulders were broad and muscular, but held no power. The planes of his face were still intense, but held no confidence. His height had not change, but his posture was no longer intimidating.

Green eyes raked the property, fear shining within them. He saw the ways the house moved, alive with shadows and darkness. He saw the ways the trees pointed at him and laughed, their old trunks finding humor instead of terror. He saw the way the building was not dying, but aging, and gaining intelligence. Suddenly, he felt an energy, dark and malicious: It was coming from inside of him.

Two new men stepped up to his flanks, looking at the building. One was bald, with scared, anxious eyes and a crooked nose. His eyebrows were forever furrowed, struggling with his thoughts. A wild beard hung on his chin, pulling his face down.

The second man was much taller, and lean. He had a stylish haircut, but it was standing on end -- distraught. His shirt hugged his muscular body tightly, but it was full of dust and wrinkles, and his posture held no strength. Eyes that seemed to have seen the worst scanned the area timidly, and he shook his head and turned away.

All three turned to leave, allowing the dark haired man to lead. They could hear the screams and wails of the corpse behind them, taunting. They could hear the trees moan for their immediate return, challenging. They walked away, refusing to turn back.

They had seen what hides in the shadows.