Phoenix feather

The cauldron had been bubbling for hours, its contents morphing through a spectrum of colors, yet yielding no change in Lise and Yumi's feline forms. My frustration simmered as I added another pinch of starflower dust, hoping for a miracle that refused to manifest. The castle's clock tower chimed, signaling the late hour, and I couldn't help but feel the weight of each gong resonate with my waning hope.

With a heavy sigh, I extinguished the flame beneath the cauldron. "Come along, you two," I murmured, beckoning the cats who had once been my friends.

They followed me, their tails high, seemingly unfazed by their predicament. As we entered my chambers, the soft glow of the moonlight spilled across the room, casting long shadows that danced with the night's gentle breeze.