Paris

The novel opens in Paris where Alec and Magnus are spending time together. They are on vacation, and they take in some of the traditional sights. Magnus sets up dinner in a hot air balloon, but they end up fighting some demons. Magnus crashes the balloon into a theater marquee. Magnus had believed that Paris was the perfect spot for the two of them to spend time getting to know each other, and that it would be romantic, but he accepts that there are places better suited to Alec's temperament when they are forced to go to Venice. There are a few specific settings in the city that are described, including Magnus's apartment.

Venice

Alec and Magnus travel to Venice in their search for information about the Crimson Hand. They visit only one specific setting, a large building where the Crimson Hand was apparently headquartered at one time...