**Chapter 17: Scorch's Intervention**

As the poly gathered in the courtyard, Scorch, the demon dragon, emerged from the shadows, its scales glinting in the moonlight. Kael's eyes widened as Scorch approached him, its eyes fixed on his. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with an unspoken understanding. Alessandro stepped forward, his hand on Kael's shoulder. "Scorch has a way of sensing the emotions of those around him," he explained. "He can feel the turmoil within you, Kael." Kael's gaze dropped, his shoulders tensing. Scorch, however, continued to approach him, its eyes never leaving his face. As the demon dragon drew closer, Kael could feel its energy washing over him, a soothing balm that seemed to calm his racing thoughts. Without warning, Scorch nudged Kael's hand with its snout, as if encouraging him to touch. Kael hesitated, then reached out, his palm making contact with Scorch's scales. The demon dragon's eyes closed, and it let out a low rumble, a sound that seemed to vibrate through Kael's entire body. Alessandro watched, a small smile playing on his lips. "Scorch is trying to tell you something, Kael," he said. "He's trying to show you that you're not alone, that there are those of us who care about you, who want to help you heal." As Kael continued to touch Scorch, he began to feel a sense of calm wash over him. His thoughts, which had been racing with anxiety and fear, began to slow, and he felt a sense of clarity that he hadn't experienced in a long time. Ryder and Elijah approached, their eyes fixed on Kael with concern. "Hey, Kael," Ryder said, his voice soft. "We're here for you, man. We care about you." Elijah nodded, his eyes shining with tears. "We're not going to let you go through this alone," he said. "We're in this together, as a poly." Kael's gaze met theirs, and for a moment, he felt a sense of gratitude wash over him. These people, who had been his partners, his friends, and his lovers, were willing to stand by him, even when he was at his worst. Scorch, sensing Kael's emotions, let out a low rumble, as if in approval. Alessandro smiled, his eyes never leaving Kael's face. "I think Scorch has given you a lesson in accountability, Kael," he said. "You've been given a chance to see that there are those of us who care about you, who want to help you heal." As the poly stood there, surrounded by the quiet of the night, Kael felt a sense of hope that he hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, he could face his demons, and come out on top. The courtyard fell silent, the only sound the distant rustling of leaves in the wind. Kael's gaze met Alessandro's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with unspoken understanding. Without a word, Alessandro reached out, his hand wrapping around Kael's wrist. He pulled Kael close, his lips brushing against his ear. "I'm here for you, Kael," he whispered. "Always." As the poly stood there, wrapped in the silence of the night, Kael knew that he had a long way to go. But for the first time in a long time, he felt like he wasn't alone, that there were those of us who cared about him, who wanted to help him heal.