### Volume 2: The Twilight of the Gods
**Chapter 1: The Liberation and the Disappearance**
**Setting:**
The dungeon of **Gharok** was shrouded in dense darkness, broken only by the faint glow of torches flickering on the damp stone walls. **Carmen Sutton** sat in a corner of her cell, the chains that bound her wrists and ankles creaking with every movement. The silence was oppressive, but she knew it would not last long. Today was the day of her judgment—the day her life would be decided.
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### The Arrival of the Guards
The sound of heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway, and Carmen looked up. Two guards appeared in the doorway of her cell, their armor gleaming in the torchlight. They wore stern expressions, but there was something in their eyes—hesitation, perhaps fear.
**Guard 1, opening the door:**
"Carmen Sutton, it's time. The trial starts at noon."
**Carmen, in a firm but tired voice:**
"Then let's go. There's nothing more to do here."
She stood up, the chains creaking with the movement. The guards grabbed her by the arms, leading her down the dark hallway. The air was heavy, and the smell of mold and old blood filled the room.
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### The Path to the Courthouse
As they walked, Carmen noticed that something was different. The dungeon seemed quieter than usual, and the guards were more tense. She felt a chill run down her spine, but she said nothing. She knew that any sign of weakness would be exploited.
**Guard 2, murmuring to his colleague:**
"Did you feel that? The air feels… strange."
**Guard 1, looking around:**
"Don't talk nonsense. Let's just take her and get this over with."
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### The Phenomenon
Suddenly, the torches went out, plunging the hallway into total darkness. The guards stopped abruptly, and Carmen felt a wave of energy course through the air. She knew what it was—she had felt something similar before.
**Carmen, whispering:**
"Adreguel…"
A pale light began to glow at the end of the hallway, and a towering figure appeared. It was **Adreguel**, the angel with black and white wings, his enigmatic smile illuminated by the unearthly light.
**Adreguel, in a calm, powerful voice:**
"Carmen Sutton, do you really think I would allow your fate to be decided by these mortals?"
The guards released Carmen, recoiling in horror. She looked at Adreguel, her expression a mix of relief and distrust.
**Carmen:**
— What do you want from me?
**Adreguel, extending his hand:**
— I offered you a choice, Carmen. Now it's time to decide. Come with me, and I will give you the power to change your destiny.
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### The Choice
Carmen hesitated, looking at the guards, who were now paralyzed by fear. She knew that if she went with Adreguel, she would never be the same again. But she also knew that if she stayed, her death would be inevitable.
**Carmen, with a deep sigh:**
— I accept. But make no mistake, Adreguel. I will not be your puppet.
**Adreguel, smiling:**
— I expected nothing less from you.
He snapped his fingers, and a portal of light and shadow opened behind him. Carmen took one last look at the guards and followed Adreguel, disappearing into the portal.
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### The Disappearance
When the torches were relit, the guards were alone in the hallway. Carmen had disappeared, and the air was heavy with silence once again.
**Guard 1, trembling:**
"What… what was that?"
**Guard 2, looking around:**
"I don't know, but I don't want to be here when they find out she's run away."
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### The Court
In the courtroom, the leaders of **Gharok** and **Ghordun** waited impatiently. **Elliott Wigan** was present, his expression serious and worried. When the guards arrived without Carmen, silence fell over the room.
**Elliott, in a cold voice:**
"Where is she?"
**Guard 1, stammering:**
"She… she disappeared. An angel appeared and took her." **Elliott, staring into the void where Carmen should be:**
"So this is what Adreguel wanted."
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### Chapter Conclusion
News of Carmen's disappearance spread quickly, and the court was dissolved amidst murmurs and fears. **Elliott** knew this was only the beginning—the real conflict was just beginning.
**Elliott, whispering to himself:**
"Wherever you are, Mother, I hope you're ready for what's to come."
**[End of Chapter 1]**
Volume 2 begins with a dramatic turn of events, where Carmen's choices and Adreguel's machinations lay the groundwork for a battle that will change the fate of **Skulls and Dragons** forever.