This time, when a new eye opens, he meets it for a moment. Holds that pale gaze for the few seconds it takes the man to speak before instinctively looking up to the back of his head when he does.

A few days ago. So there's been an influencing factor to his change of heart. Whatever it is, it's enough to equal and mollify his violent refusal to be a pawn for whatever's waiting for his help in its chance at freedom.

I know I shouldn't, he says.

"You don't have to justify an unwillingness to die."

That said...

"What changed?"