Yadier revealed that there was another Steele family overseer for Gray City and its neighbors, named Ollie Steele. But he had returned to Astoria the day before on urgent business.


    This did not diminish Felix''s killing intent. Yadier had revealed plenty, which was befitting his status as a direct family member. He knew almost every operation in Dragonia.


    Felixpiled information about otherbs and personnel, then passed it to Alistair to give to Xena as an anonymous tip.


    This would be enough to uproot all Steele family operations in Dragonia. But prosecuting them internationally would prove challenging. Evidence aside, cross-border politics made thingsplicated, so Felix decided to handle this personally. He just hoped Xena would not assign him any missions in theing days.


    "I''ming with you!" Back at the vi, N''s eyes showed fierce determination to apany Felix to Astòria.


    "Don''tplicate things I''m going there to kill people-quite a few of them. An extra person means extra risk."


    Clever as she was, N did not push. Instead, she offered, "After that shadowstalker''s assassination attempt at your ce, I did some research. There are three major families in Astoria connected to the shadowstalkers. This might help when you''re there." Felix perked up. Having N''s support really did make things easier. "Is the Steele family one of them?"


    "Yes! They''re the most powerful of the three because a Steele woman married the Shadowstalker Emperor''s, Reagan Thorne, son. Few people openly acknowledge Reagan''s influence in Astoria, but behind closed doors, his authority is second only to the Astorian King. "Every shadowstalker would die for his word."


    Their connection with Reagan exined their boldness in Dragonia. But distance would not protect them from justice.


    "Seems like you''re going after the Steeles. Be careful. While they may not be the most influential family in Astoria, their connection to Reagan means few dare cross them.


    "I know you''re confident in your abilities, and I honestly don''t think much of Astorian fighters, either. But you''re entering their territory. Don''t get careless."


    Felix nodded and turned to leave, then suddenly thought of something. "Do you remember Cynthia?"


    Without waiting for N''s response, he continued, "Can''t you tell me anything about ''that


    ce''? And why was Cynthia so certain I''d return there?"


    N gave a bitter smile and shook her head. "I really can''t tell you. It''s an ancient rule no one can break. You''ll only learn about that ce when you''re strong enough to reach it yourself."


    It was just a casual question anyway. Felix went upstairs to sleep, leaving N standing there with aplex expression.


    Somehow, he seemed even stronger when she saw him again dayster. If her suspicions were true, such rapid growth was terrifying.


    She regretted not handling things differently with Felix earlier. Now, she wondered if it was toote to make amends.


    After nearly four hours on the earliest avable flight, Felixnded at an Astorian airport around noon.