As the crowd hooted and hollered at Damon's transformation and obvious delight at being transformed into Max the German Shepherd, Monica became quiet at the spectacle she was witnessing. She had known Damon for quite a while, and their love had been growing to the extent that she had expected him to propose marriage. She had entertained dreams of growing old with him, and having many children and grandchildren. Now, as Damon was prancing around the stage as Max, obeying every command from the Enchantress, Monica saw all her dreams begin to die.
Monica watched as more and more of Damon's humanity slipped away, likely permanently. Yes, he had on occasion shared with her that he would like to experience the world as an animal, but she knew that such a thing was impossible. Now, thanks to Madame Illusia, it looks like Damon's wildest dream was coming true.
Damon's gain was Monica's loss.
Monica wouldn't mind having a dog, of course, but her life would now be drastically different than she had thought when she woke this morning. Monica was overcome with a flood of emotions. She was happy that Damon was clearly over the moon with his metamorphosis, but she could not help but feel a bit sorry for herself. She was happy, sad, hurt, and... what? Watching Damon's new found freedom, was she feeling jealous...?
Monica's attention was redirected to the stage with an alarming SNAP. She found herself gazing into Madame Illusia's eyes, a slow and knowing grin growing upon the enchantress's lips.
"Welcome back, Monica! I was afraid we'd lost you there."
A blushing heat was rising in Monica's cheeks as a low chuckle spread through the crowd. She must have really zoned out.
"Please join me on stage, my dear, and come meet Max!"
Monica quickly shuffled up on stage as the crowd applauded. Madame Illusia, standing several inches taller than Monica, placed a soft hand on the petite woman's shoulder and guided her to where Damon... er... Max, was patiently waiting, panting and wagging his tail.
Monica knelt down before her former boyfriend, cupping his face in her hands. She had to admit, he made a very cute dog. She couldn't help but rub and massage his cheeks. As she did, fur grew thicker under her touch and the hair atop his head became more and more fur-like, blending seamlessly into the rest of the dog's pelt.
Monica found herself completely transfixed by her boyfriend's transformation. She gazed deeply into his hazel eyes as they slowly became pools of golden brown. With that, the last remnants of Damon had disappeared, leaving only Max, the loving and obedient German Shepherd.
Max showered Monica with doggy kisses, instinctively knowing that he must obey and love this woman. This drew a chorus of "Awwwws" from the audience, and a delighted smile from Madame Illusia.
"Such a good boy," she exclaimed. "Good dog! C'mere, boy!" Illusia punctuated her command with a sharp snap of her fingers. Max ceased kissing Monica and obediently fell to heel at Illusia's feet. With a flick of her wand, she was now holding a handsome leather dog collar with a copper bone-shaped tag dangling from it. The tag read, in bold letters, "Max."
The enchantress knelt down and deftly affixed the collar to the Shepherd's neck. Max's tail wagged furiously as he was panting, obviously elated to by collared. Monica watched the collaring joyfully, and a touch longingly.
"Don't think I forgot about you, darling," Madame Illusia smiled as she rose to face Monica.
Monica's attention snapped back to the taller woman. "Here's a gift for you as well." Illusia held out her right hand to Monica. In it, she held a very handsome looking leash that matched Max's new collar perfectly. Monica reached out to take the offering, but hesitated.
"What's the matter, dear?" Madame Illusia inquired. "Isn't this what you were hoping for...?" A mischievous glint came to the enchantress's eye. "Or do you find THIS more appealing?"
Madame Illusia pulled her left hand from behind her back to reveal that she is holding...