The slave sighed in relief, moving further from the scene. He had no part in this happiness, it was theirs and theirs alone. He would not intrude on it, but he could appreciate it from a distance. It was also good that Ava started to remember, he could likely persuade her to take her leave again. Perhaps with her mother.

Then a dark thought crept into his mind. Her mother could take her, leave him here. If Andreios stayed, perhaps the magistrate would have less reason to hunt them. To him, they were naught but people he could expend quietly, while Andreios was an investment that proved to be quite profitable in the past. However, he doubted Ave would allow him to do such a thing. Aside from that, he hungered for his own freedom. And his conclusion came to be the same as it was always. Kill his former master. This time however, not out of vengeance but to ensure their safety in the future. He didn't want them to be hunted as he had. He didn't want to risk a future where that man reappeared in their lives.

He peered out the window and watched dead leaves blow by. It seemed dreary out there, and yet peaceful as well. All was quiet and calm. Ava would be with him when he went back. He knew, but she was now free from her chains, able to protect herself. She would be there when he kills her father. She would see the joy in his face. After all, Andreios waited years to do this. She may hate him. She may be frighten of him. She may never speak to him or acknowledge his existence, but at least she'd be free. And to him, nothing was more valuable or more important than that.