Bill tries to keep his expression neutral and remain impassive, but he is clearly struggling.

He lays the stake down in the box and shuts the lid. With this, his decision is final.

"Release him," he tells the guards.

One of the two guards holding Eric unlocks the silver handcuffs and removes them, slipping them off his burned wrists. They then are suddenly almost benign, helping Eric to his feet.

Bill looks at him, still struggling with his own compassion. Will he regret this? Maybe. But ultimately, he's doing this for Sookie.

"You can tell Sookie everything yourself," he says to Eric, an uneasy kindness in his voice. "You are free to go."