Eli crept toward the cottage, heart pounding, clutching a flashlight that cast shivering beams on the gnarled door. He’d heard rumors of hidden treasures inside—potions, enchanted trinkets, and ancient books. The night was thick with the scent of damp earth and wild herbs. As he carefully nudged the door open, the hinges groaned in protest, echoing through the silent woods.

Madame Morvena, the infamous forest witch, stood by a bubbling cauldron, her silver hair wild and her eyes sharp with suspicion. "Well, well, what do we have here? A little thief? Or just a foolish boy?" Eli froze, trying to stammer out an excuse, but his voice caught in his throat. The witch’s gnarled fingers curled, and sparks shimmered in the air.

"You wanted my secrets, so you’ll learn a lesson you won’t forget," Madame Morvena chanted, her tone both mocking and severe. With a flick of her wrist, sparkling dust rained over Eli, and a tingling warmth surged through his body. His hands shrank, fur sprouted along his arms, and his ears stretched into perky triangles atop his head. Within seconds, Eli found himself transformed—no longer a boy, but a puppy girl with soft brown fur and a fluffy tail.

"Please, change me back! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean any harm," she whimpered, her voice a strange blend of human and canine. Madame Morvena leaned in, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Perhaps you’ll learn respect through humility. Stay here, help me, and maybe I’ll reconsider. Or would you rather scamper in the woods and fend for yourself?"

Eli swept the floors with a bushy tail, fetched wood with her teeth, and sorted dried flowers with careful paws. Each chore brought a mix of embarrassment and awkward new skills, but also small moments of pride when she succeeded. The witch watched with a critical eye, sometimes offering cryptic encouragement. "Hard work builds character, little pup. Perhaps you’ll thank me one day."

Eli "woof! Eli is good girl, woof!"