**Chapter 6: First Confrontation**

The air was thick with tension as Kael's toxic behavior finally surfaced, like a powder keg waiting to be ignited. Elijah tried to mediate, but Kael's anger had already boiled over, fueled by his demonic possession and deep-seated trauma. The dimly lit room seemed to shrink, the shadows cast by the flickering candles growing longer and darker as Kael's emotions intensified. Alessandro's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he watched Kael's transformation. He had dealt with Kael's toxic behavior before, but it never got any easier. The demon switch's words cut deep, a reflection of the pain and anger that had been building inside him for so long. "You're always so calm, Elijah," Kael sneered, his voice dripping with venom. "You're always so willing to please. But what's in it for you? What do you get out of this?" Kael's eyes flashed with malice, his gaze raking over Elijah's submissive form. Elijah's eyes widened, his face pale as he took a step back, his hands trembling slightly as he tried to defend himself. But Alessandro was quick to intervene, his voice firm and commanding. "Kael, that's enough," he said, his eyes blazing with a fierce inner light. "You're not going to speak to Elijah like that. He's one of us, and he deserves respect." Kael's face twisted, his eyes flashing with anger as he took a step forward, his fists clenched. "You always take his side, don't you?" he spat, his voice venomous. "You always protect him, but what about me? What about my needs?" Alessandro's expression didn't change, but his voice grew colder, his words dripping with a subtle menace. "I'm not taking anyone's side, Kael. I'm just making sure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. And if you can't manage that, then maybe you need to take a step back and reevaluate your behavior." The room fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the four people in it. Kael's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger as he struggled to contain his emotions. Elijah, sensing the tension, took a step forward, his hands extended. "Kael, please," he said, his voice soft and soothing. "Let's just talk about this. We can work through it." But Kael just laughed, a cold, mirthless sound that sent shivers down Elijah's spine. "You think you can fix me, Elijah?" he sneered. "You think you can just talk me down and make everything okay? You're not a therapist, Elijah. You're just a bottom, a plaything for me to use and discard." Alessandro's eyes flashed with anger, and he took a step forward, his movements fluid and menacing. "That's enough, Kael," he said, his voice low and deadly. "You're not going to speak to Elijah like that. Not in my presence." Kael's face paled, his eyes widening as Alessandro's words cut deep. For a moment, it seemed like he might lash out, but then he seemed to deflate, his shoulders sagging as he looked away. The room was silent for a moment, the only sound the heavy breathing of the four people in it. Then, Alessandro spoke up, his voice firm and commanding. "Ryder, take Elijah and get him out of here," he said, his eyes never leaving Kael's face. "I need to deal with Kael's behavior, and I don't want either of you to get hurt." Ryder nodded, his eyes flashing with concern as he wrapped an arm around Elijah's waist. "Come on, sweetheart," he said, his voice soft and soothing. "Let's get out of here." As they walked out of the room, Elijah glanced back over his shoulder, his eyes meeting Alessandro's. He saw the concern and anger there, and he knew that Alessandro would deal with Kael's behavior. But for now, he was just grateful to be safe, surrounded by the people he loved. The sound of Kael's angry muttering faded into the distance as Ryder and Elijah walked away, the tension in the air slowly dissipating. But Elijah knew that this wasn't the end of the confrontation, not by a long shot. Kael's toxic behavior was a powder keg waiting to be ignited, and it was only a matter of time before it happened again. As they walked, Ryder's arm around his waist, Elijah couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. Would they be able to work through their issues, or would Kael's toxic behavior tear them apart? Only time would tell.