**Chapter 16: Confronting the Past**

The dimly lit room was shrouded in an air of anticipation as Alessandro's plan to help Kael confront his traumatic past began to unfold. The poly had gathered in the mansion's therapy room, a space designed to facilitate open and honest discussions. Kael, however, looked less than enthused, his eyes fixed on the floor as he struggled to come to terms with what was about to happen. Lucien's expert, a soft-spoken woman named Dr. Sophia, stood at the front of the room, her eyes locked on Kael. "Kael, I want you to know that you're safe here," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "We're going to work through your past, but I need you to understand that you're in control. You can stop at any time if you feel uncomfortable." Kael snorted, his eyes flashing with defiance. "I'm not afraid of my past," he lied, his voice laced with venom. Dr. Sophia's expression remained neutral. "Kael, I've reviewed your file. I know about the abuse and neglect you suffered. I'm not here to judge you, but to help you work through it." The room fell silent as Kael's gaze dropped, his shoulders tensing. Ryder and Elijah exchanged worried glances, their faces etched with concern. Alessandro, however, remained calm, his eyes fixed on Kael as he waited for him to crack. Dr. Sophia began to guide Kael through a series of exercises, each designed to help him confront his past traumas. At first, Kael resisted, his responses laced with anger and hostility. But as the session progressed, his defenses began to crumble, and he found himself reliving the memories he'd tried so hard to suppress. The room grew quieter, the only sound Kael's ragged breathing as he recounted the abuse he'd suffered at the hands of his previous owners. Tears streamed down his face, and his body shook with sobs as he finally began to confront the pain he'd been trying to keep hidden. Alessandro's eyes never left Kael's face, his expression a mix of empathy and concern. He knew that this was just the beginning of Kael's journey towards healing, and he was determined to be there for him every step of the way. As the session drew to a close, Dr. Sophia smiled softly. "Kael, you've taken a huge step today. I'm proud of you." Kael's gaze met Alessandro's, his eyes filled with a mix of shame and gratitude. For a moment, the toxic behavior, the anger, and the defiance disappeared, and Alessandro saw a glimmer of the person Kael could be – vulnerable, scared, but willing to face his demons. The poly gathered around Kael, offering him comfort and support. Ryder wrapped his arms around him, holding him close as he cried. Elijah kissed his forehead, his eyes shining with tears. Alessandro, however, simply stood there, his eyes locked on Kael's, his presence a reminder that he was there to support him, to protect him, and to help him heal. As they left the therapy room, Kael's arm slung over Alessandro's shoulders, the poly knew that they still had a long way to go. But for the first time in a long time, they felt a sense of hope – hope that Kael would heal, that their relationships would strengthen, and that they could overcome the shadows of their past. The demon dragon, Scorch, waited for them in the courtyard, its eyes glowing softly in the darkness. Kael's gaze met Scorch's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, in a move that surprised everyone, Kael reached out and touched Scorch's scales. Scorch nuzzled Kael's hand, its eyes filled with a deep understanding. Kael's gaze met Alessandro's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. "I think I'm ready to face my demons," Kael said, his voice barely above a whisper. Alessandro's expression softened, his eyes filled with pride and affection. "I'm here for you, Kael. Always."