Content Warning: The section of the guide includes discussion of bullying, gender discrimination, substance use, addiction, violence, sexual content, death, and physical abuse.

Alexandria (Alex) Andros recalls a memory from when she was seven years old. The Hematoi Council, the ruling body that determines the fate of those with Hematoi blood, summons her. While Hematoi are the descendants and beings created from the union of gods and mortals, known as pure-bloods or pures, Alex is a half-blood, with a Hematoi mother but a mortal father. At the age of seven, all half-bloods meet with the ministers, who decide whether the child will train at the Covenant (a series of safe training facilities for Hematoi and half-bloods) as a Sentinel—a warrior dedicated to hunting daimons (vampire-like creatures that feed off pures to acquire aether, the essence of the gods and the Hematoi life force)—a Guard—a warrior dedicated to protecting Hematoi and their communities—or a servant, enslaved by mind-controlling drugs. 

One of the elderly ministers is rude and condescending and pinches Alex dismissively, arguing that Alex would make a better enslaved person than a Sentinel. In response, Alex kicks the minister. This act of rebellion, rather than earning her punishment, causes her to be placed in training as a sentinel, as the other ministers recognize her determined spirit.