the-shoal

Tommy-Ray undergoes a supernatural transformation through the Nuncio, experiencing death and rebirth to become the Death-Boy, while Raul attempts to heal Tesla using the same mystical fluid. Tesla's spirit becomes separated from her body, trapped in a desolate liminal space where she struggles to regain her physical form with the help of an old man. Eventually, Tesla finds herself in the Loop, a timeless realm created by Kissoon, the last member of the Shoal, who reveals the history and ongoing mission to preserve Quiddity against existential threats.

Kissoon reveals to Tesla the existence of the Shoal, a secret metaphysical entity that underlies all other secrets and religions, and warns of the cosmic threat posed by Randolph Jaffe and the Iad Uroboros from the Metacosm. He requests to possess Tesla's body to continue the fight, leading to a tense confrontation and Tesla's metaphysical journey through Kissoon's Loop. Upon her return, Tesla is physically transformed and healed, embodying a new identity as she prepares with Raul to face the looming threats involving the Death-Boy and the Jaff.

Howie revisits the woods near Deerdell, confronting his supernatural origin as a conjured being by Fletcher and reconnecting intimately with Jo-Beth. Concurrently, Tesla cares for Mary Muralles of the Shoal, revealing the existence of Kissoon, who is trapped in a temporal Loop as punishment for breaking its laws and seeks to escape by possessing another body. The chapter explores the metaphysical consequences of Kissoon's imprisonment, the grotesque Lix creatures born from his corruption, and the looming threat of the Iad to the Cosm.