City of Gods and Monsters

Non-magical human Loren Calla is relieved when her adoptive sister, Dallas Bright, a witch, protects her from harassment by a werewolf. Loren, who is an outlier in Angelthene, a city designed for immortal inhabitants, is usually vulnerable compared to the rest of the nightclub’s patrons. The werewolf’s friends warn him against upsetting Dallas, whose reputation is fearsome due to her military-legend mother, but he ignores them; when he insults Dallas’s friend Sabrine for having half-witch heritage, Dallas threatens him with magic before Loren intercedes.

Loren, Dallas, and Sabrine fret that they won’t be able to get a taxi to take them home, as carnivorous demons roam the streets at night in Angelthene. While they wait for a ride, Loren looks at the dome that surrounds the city and reflects that it does little to protect her from the threats already inside Angelthene. Dallas daringly suggests that they walk, but Loren and Sabrine protest until Loren begins to grow faint from a medical condition that affects her blood sugar.

The walk takes longer than the women expect, so they stop at the apothecary where Loren works. They’ve nearly arrived when a car pulls over and a Darkslayer comes out.