A immense, nebulous figure began to move in our direction, each step shaking the balloon slightly, as if the very air around us was trembling. The intermittent glow of electricity across its body illuminated the basket, casting dancing shadows across our faces. Marcelina, who had seemed unshakable until now, stepped forward, positioning herself as a human shield in front of us all.
I watched as her hands slowly rose, and the light around her body grew in intensity, radiating warmth and authority. It was as though the sun itself had chosen to reside within her momentarily. She extended one hand, revealing the card she had mentioned earlier. Her voice was firm, though a hint of tension was detectable:
"This is the permission of the Lord of Storms. We are merely passing through your territory. We respect your sovereignty."
