Wanda Avenger

The Shadow Knight is a dark fantasy novel that follows the transformation of Kaelen Dawnblade, a once honourable knight whose world is shattered when the corrupt religious Council falsely accuses his family of heresy. The story begins with Kaelen serving faithfully as a Knight-Captain in the Holy Citadel of Light. His perfect life crumbles when he's summoned to the capital, where the High Council, led by Grand Inquisitor Matthias, fabricates charges of shadow cult involvement against House Dawnblade. Despite Kaelen's protests, his family is systematically destroyed. His father executed, his sister Lyanna tortured, and his young nephew Marcus killed during "questioning." After escaping imprisonment, Kaelen discovers the true nature of the Council's corruption: they've been eliminating eastern lords who questioned their increasing taxes and power. Consumed by rage and betrayal, Kaelen encounters a mysterious merchant who guides him to the Soulstone, an ancient artifact of darkness. Through brutal trials that strip away his humanity piece by piece, he transforms into the Shadow Knight, a being of darkness with extraordinary powers. As the Shadow Knight, Kaelen begins a calculated campaign of vengeance against the Council, gathering allies among the oppressed. He discovers his new abilities allow him to destroy and heal, creating an unexpected inner conflict. Throughout his journey, he struggles with what remains of his humanity, ultimately choosing to retain his sense of justice rather than becoming a mindless force of destruction. The novel explores themes of corruption, vengeance, transformation, and the thin line between justice and revenge. As Kaelen evolves from righteous knight to shadow wielding avenger, the story questions whether one can fight monsters without becoming a monster oneself.

“Kamu sadar, Lily! Sadar sebagai ibu pengganti bagi anakku, itu sama saja meneken kontrak kalau kamu milikku! Meski hanya setahun. Aku membayarmu untuk itu.” Lily diam, jantungnya saat ini akan meledak. Mau tidak mau, Lily menuruti Axel. Lily mulai menarik tangan Axel agar lelaki itu bisa duduk dengan tenang. Tetapi gagal, Axel tidak bisa menegakkan badan. “Kau harus lebih berusaha, Lily,” perkataan Axel yang begini mirip ledekan. Wajahnya juga menyebalkan saat ini. Kalau bukan majikan, mungkin Lily sudah menamparnya. Lily kesal, meski Axel tampan, badannya ideal dan sebentar lagi Lily dan Axel akan terikat oleh sebuah perjanjian, tetap saja, Lily harus menjaga jarak. Dia tidak boleh aji mumpung. Lily berusaha sekali memasukkan kepala Axel ke kaus. Mengangkat kepalanya sulit sekali. Badannya berat. Napas Lily yang terengah terdengar oleh Axel, membuat lelaki itu tertawa. Pikirannya masih menerawang, malam ini harusnya dia merayakan hari pernikahannya dengan Bree. Namun, Bree malah memilih Wanda untuk diajak minum. Meninggalkan Axel, dan lelaki itu sangat sebal ditinggalkan seperti itu oleh Bree. “Bree ... Bree,” rutuk Axel sambil tertawa konyol. Sementara kausnya belum bisa terpakai, karena Lily kesulitan mengangkat kepala Axel. Axel, menangkap tangan Lily, menaruhnya di dadanya yang bidang. Wajah Lily merona, hangat. Namun, sekujur tubuhnya panas dan dingin. “Lily ...” panggil Axel dengan lirih, tangan Axel yang bebas membelai wajah Lily. “Maaf, tuan aku harus pulang,” ucapnya. Axel malah menarik Lily ke dalam pelukannya. “Kau temani saja saya di sini. Apakah kau tahu kalau sesungguhnya kau sangat cantik, murni dan tulus.” Lily menganggap kalau Axel sedang membual karena sedang mabuk. Jadi, wanita itu mengangkat wajahnya. Menatap Axel tajam. Andai saja, Axel sedang tidak mabuk malam ini. Jarak wajah Lily dan Axel hanya dua senti. Mata Axel berkilat, kepalanya dia majukan, mengikis jarak yang memang sudah sangat dekat.