Chapter 484: Escape

I ran. I had no choice, no recourse. I could have fought, of course I could have. But even if I won, Pannera would have attacked me next for the power of the essence, law or no law. Especially after our little conversation about me taking the throne should I win.

Even my vampire essence wasn't strong enough to take on two Queens.

But I knew better than to teleport. Instead, just as Celeste's hissing whisper faded from her lips, I reached deep, drew my demon as far to the surface as I could and tore open the veil.

I felt Celeste's hand on my neck as I tumbled forward into the narrow gap, barely big enough for me to squeeze through. Her grip slid, released as the veil slammed shut behind her.

I hoped she lost a finger.

Only problem was, my demon was now out of power and able to muster only enough to reopen the veil and toss me out before she lost consciousness. I staggered into the darkness, surrounded by trees, stumbling over a pile of rocks and to the edge of a very, very high cli