The Dark Blade: Return Of The General.

Chapter 8: Deadly Reunion

Jacob stared at the mysterious woman, his mind racing through possibilities. Very few people knew his true identity, and even fewer would dare speak it aloud in such a public setting.

"I apologize, but I do not recognize you," Jacob said carefully, studying her face for any clues that might trigger his memory.

The woman's expression flickered with disappointment before she composed herself. "I suppose that is understandable. You would not expect to see me dressed like this, attending social functions with Seron's corrupt elite."

Something in her voice sparked a memory, but Jacob could not quite place it. Then she shifted slightly in her seat, and he caught sight of a small scar on her wrist - the kind of mark left by a blade in close combat.

"I never imagined the Angel of Death could look so elegant in a evening gown," Jacob said quietly, recognition finally dawning.

The woman smiled, her entire demeanor changing from disappointed socialite to dangerous predator. "There we go. I was beginning to think you had completely forgotten our time fighting together on the northern borders."

Roseline Snow - one of the most feared assassins on the continent and, ironically, one of the few people Jacob actually trusted. She had earned her reputation by never missing a target and never leaving witnesses, but she had also saved Jacob's life on three separate occasions during their military campaigns.

"What are you doing here, Roseline?" Jacob asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "This is not exactly your usual hunting ground."

"I could ask you the same question," Roseline replied, adjusting her position to better observe the auction proceedings. "The legendary Dark Blade does not typically attend social gatherings, especially not in his hometown."

Jacob watched as auction house staff began arranging items on the display tables. Expensive artwork, rare jewelry, and antique weapons were being positioned under bright spotlights for the evening's entertainment.

"I am here on business," Jacob said simply. "Personal business that has waited fifteen years for resolution."

"Revenge, then," Roseline observed. "I wondered when you would finally return to settle old scores. Seron has been ruled by corruption and greed for far too long."

The auctioneer returned to the stage, his artificial smile gleaming under the lights. "Ladies and gentlemen, let the auction begin!"

What followed was a display of obscene wealth that made Jacob's stomach turn. Paintings worth more than most people's homes were sold as casual purchases. Jewelry that could feed families for years was bought as party accessories. The crowd threw around millions of dollars like pocket change while the city outside struggled with poverty and crime.

"I wonder what specifically brought you here tonight," Roseline said, watching Jacob ignore every single auction item.

"You will know when you see it," Jacob replied, his attention focused entirely on the stage. "Though I am starting to suspect they are saving the important items for later in the evening."

Movement near the entrance caught Jacob's eye. The same driver who had confronted him outside was entering the auction house, followed by a man in an expensive suit who carried himself with the arrogance of someone accustomed to having others fear him.

"Roseline, is that Lord Nico?" Jacob asked, nodding toward the new arrivals.

Roseline followed his gaze and her expression immediately hardened with disgust. "Marcus Nico, heir to the Nico crime family fortune. He is even worse than his reputation suggests."

Jacob studied the man as he made his way to a reserved seat in the front row. Marcus Nico was younger than Jacob had expected, probably in his early thirties, with the kind of cruel handsomeness that attracted shallow women and intimidated weak men.

"I take it you two have history?" Jacob asked, noticing how Roseline seemed to shrink slightly in her seat.

"He has made several unwanted advances over the years," Roseline said through clenched teeth. "The kind of man who believes his money and family connections entitle him to anything he wants, including women who have made their disinterest very clear."

Jacob filed that information away for future use. Any enemy of Roseline's was automatically an enemy of his, regardless of whatever other crimes Marcus Nico had committed.

The auctioneer cleared his throat dramatically, drawing everyone's attention back to the stage. "Now, honored guests, we have something truly special for tonight's finale. A piece of Seron's own history, recovered from the tragic events that claimed one of our city's most prominent families."

Jacob's blood turned to ice as he realized what was coming.

"I present to you a treasure worn by the last Lord of the Krigg family - the Great Krigg Amulet of Seron!"

The entire auction house fell silent as a velvet-lined case was wheeled onto the stage. Inside, gleaming under the spotlights, was the amulet that had been passed down through Jacob's family for seven generations. It was identical to the one he had given Anna, but this was the original - the symbol of leadership that his father had worn on the night he was murdered.

Jacob shot to his feet before he could stop himself, his hands clenched into fists. Every instinct screamed at him to charge the stage and reclaim what belonged to him, but he forced himself to remain still. Causing a scene now would accomplish nothing except revealing his identity to everyone in the room.

"Easy," Roseline whispered, placing a restraining hand on his arm. "I assume that is what you came for?"

Jacob sat back down slowly, his jaw clenched so tightly it hurt. "They are selling my father's amulet like a trophy from their victory. They think they erased my entire family from history."

"Then let us make sure they understand exactly how wrong they are," Roseline said quietly. "But first, we get that amulet back. Then we can discuss how many of these people deserve to die for their crimes."

The auctioneer was building excitement among the crowd, describing the amulet's historical significance while carefully omitting the fact that its previous owner had been murdered for refusing to surrender his family's power to corrupt politicians and crime bosses.

Jacob watched the proceedings with the focused intensity of a predator selecting its prey. Tonight, he would reclaim the first piece of his stolen inheritance. Tomorrow, he would begin the process of destroying everyone responsible for his family's death.

The hunt for justice was finally beginning in earnest, and Jacob Krigg intended to make sure his enemies understood the true meaning of fear before he was finished with them.