**Chapter 14: Ryder's Worry**

Ryder's eyes scanned the room, his gaze lingering on Elijah's pale face. The submissive switch's eyes were red-rimmed, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Ryder's heart ached with worry, his mind racing with thoughts of how to help his partner. Kael's toxic behavior had finally reached a boiling point, and Ryder was terrified of what might happen next. As he wrapped his arms around Elijah, holding him close, Ryder couldn't shake the feeling that they were all on the brink of disaster. Kael's descent into madness seemed to be accelerating, and Ryder wasn't sure how much longer they could keep him from completely losing control. Alessandro's voice was low and soothing, his words a gentle reassurance that they would get through this together. But Ryder wasn't so sure. He had seen Kael's darkness before, the way it seemed to consume him whole. And he knew that if Kael wasn't stopped, he could hurt someone badly. Ryder's eyes met Alessandro's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Ryder could see the concern etched on Alessandro's face, the tension in his shoulders. He knew that Alessandro was worried, too. "What are we going to do?" Ryder asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Alessandro's expression was grim. "We'll do whatever it takes to keep you all safe," he said, his voice firm and commanding. "Kael's behavior won't be tolerated. I'll do whatever it takes to stop him." Ryder nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that Alessandro would do everything in his power to protect them. But he also knew that Kael was a wild card, unpredictable and volatile. As they stood there, Ryder's mind began to wander. He thought about Kael's past, the trauma and abuse that had shaped him into the person he was today. He thought about Elijah, and how Kael's behavior was affecting him. And he thought about Alessandro, and the weight of responsibility that rested on his shoulders. Ryder's eyes drifted back to Elijah, who was still clinging to him. He could feel the submissive switch's heart pounding against his chest, his body trembling with fear. "Hey, it's okay," Ryder whispered, his voice soft and soothing. "We've got you. We're not going to let anything happen to you." Elijah's eyes met Ryder's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Ryder could see the fear and uncertainty in Elijah's eyes, but he also saw something else - a deep-seated trust in him and Alessandro. Ryder's heart swelled with emotion, his love for Elijah and Alessandro growing stronger by the minute. He knew that they would get through this, together. But he also knew that it wouldn't be easy. As they stood there, the tension in the room seemed to grow thicker, heavier. Ryder could feel Kael's darkness lurking just beneath the surface, waiting to pounce. And he knew that they were all on edge, waiting for the other shoe to drop. The air was thick with anticipation, the silence between them oppressive. Ryder's heart was pounding in his chest, his senses on high alert. He knew that something was coming, and he wasn't sure if they were ready. But for now, they just stood there, frozen in time, waiting for the storm to pass. And Ryder could only hope that they would emerge from it stronger, their bond intact.