#nbdoodles

even if you were to take your time and look around, the darkness would still hide them from you. you would think the room is empty and move on.

if you were the curious, and possibly braver type, then you would get a light source and use it to illuminate the shadows that had not been taken out by the poor artificial light that was likely reaching its final hours. then, then you might see them. 

the instant reaction would be a start. seeing a group of youthful figures curled up against the wall, huddled together for warmth, their clothes torn and their bodies covered with bloodstained bandages would likely be a cause for alarm. 

but these teenagers meant no harm. not to you, anyways. most likely. they would be alerted if you happened to be wearing a certain outfit, or even a certain colour. if that were the case, they would react strongly to your presence, acting violently and attempting to attack you. as much as they could, anyways, with their bodies so damaged and frail they could barely support themselves long enough to reach you. they would writhe around on the floor, reaching out to you in an almost desperate manner, their eyes wide with feral rage. but if you were not wearing their colours or outfit then they would ignore you. probably blink or flinch at the sudden light damaging their eyes, but no further reaction to their existence. 

by then, you would have seen too much, and someone else would probably have to take you out. 

and the Withered Children would not even notice, remaining against that wall, in the shadows, away from the rest of the world.