When she was chosen by the Dreaming Hollow, a misty valley that hoards abandoned dreams. During her naming vigil, a storm-fey offers a bargain: carry part of the Hollow’s burden so the waking world won’t be flooded by runaway sleep. The pact seals with copper-tasting rain, and Sorrel gains a flock of “Cloudlings”, lamb-shaped fog and soft static that bristle at lies, fear, and torn veils. After her clan sends her away, Sorrel wanders as a shepherd of half-real dreams, using gentle magic to soothe towns, tuck nightmares back into her flock, and track dangers the Cloudlings sense. The burden grows: new Cloudlings appear, packed with strangers’ wishes and nightmares. Enemies pursue her, and she uncovers a greenhouse of magically sleeping victims. Sorrel keeps leaving ribbons as payment, knowing the pact’s final cost is coming: one day the Hollow will collect her ability to sleep.