The mastermind watching Xianna's soul was Malcanthet!!!
This...
But on closer thought, it all seemed perfectly logical. Back when Xianna had been at her most desperate and sought the power of vengeance, no being had answered her. Now she had found the reason—it was Malcanthet!
She had every right to keep others far away from her assets.
Because she was Malcanthet!
The Queen of Succubi wielded enormous influence not only in the Abyss, but on the Material Plane as well.
"I don't know, Mother, but I feel like I... I can't explain it. I just feel confused, but I don't know what I'm confused about..."
Xianna looked deeply dejected. Just these past few days, after falling into the River Styx during an assassination attempt, she had realized that she seemed to have forgotten something. Yet she had no idea what it was. As time passed, the feeling only grew more severe, and Xianna had no explanation for it.
Could it have been the River Styx's influence?
But she wasn't sure. At the time, she had been carrying a magical item Malcanthet had given her, one capable of temporarily shielding her from the River Styx's effects. By all rights, its waters should not have affected her.
The Queen of Succubi stroked her head, then drew her into her embrace and gently caressed Xianna's cheek. A radiant glow appeared around Xianna's body.
"My child, do not be lost. Just leave everything to me. My child, you will always be under my protection—before, now, and forevermore." Malcanthet had found nothing during her examination, but neither did she pursue the matter further.
She knew that this child of hers was not perfect. A few flaws were only normal. In truth, if not for Xianna's immense potential, Malcanthet would never have been able to make