The Carnival of Clouds happens each year in Caelaymnis, the newly-founded mountain city bustling with activity. It’s a time to gather by the river and invoke the votum, beings of mist that live in the river Weir. Dunk a paper lantern in the river, make a wish, and the votum will appear—and if you renege on the bargain you’ve struck, they’ll take your soul.

Brennon is in love, and he’s waiting for the right moment to announce it. The Carnival of Clouds presents such a moment—he hopes to invoke the power of the votum and gain his fathers’ approval.

Reed returns from her debut in Festival of Frost, fresh from meddling in the dreams of three human children and keen on participating in the Carnival, too. After all, it’s the perfect chance to convince Pella to move down into the new city.

Pella, Brennon’s older sibling,has other plans. They’re bound by duty to stay in the stone homes in the mountains. But after a bitter fight with Reed, Pella makes an accidental bargain with the votum, and the Carnival turns from fun and games to a fight for souls.