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.