Imaginary Predator

[archiveofarethusa]

Holly was nine when Arnadia caught her staring speculatively at a rabbit, stone in her fist.

"What are you doing, sweetie?" Arnadia said. Holly glanced up at her, and then back.

"Resisting changing into her," said Holly, grim-faced.

"Who? The rabbit?" Arnadia said. Holly frowned slowly, uncertainly. "No. Yes. I don't want to be a wolf. I'm not - not her. But I don't want to run forever."

Carefully, Arnadia asked, "Who says you have to?"

"She became a big bad wolf to hide from another," Holly said. "I can't hide, so I'll run until I'm dinner. She says she'll kill me."

"Who?"

"Helene," Holly murmured.