Arya Stark and Sandor Clegane are one of the best duos from Game of Thrones, but to say their relationship is complicated is an understatement — and that contributes to why Arya doesn’t kill the Hound in season 4. Game of Thrones seasons 3 and 4 find the pair traveling north together, with the Hound hoping to collect a reward for returning Arya to her family. She’s less than thrilled about the arrangement, especially after the Hound killed her friend Micah in season 1. This earned him a place on Arya’s list of names, but he’s one of the characters on it who doesn’t die by her hand.

This isn’t for lack of opportunity, as Arya gets the chance to kill the Hound at the end of Game of Thrones season 4. Following his duel with Brienne of Tarth — one of the best sword fights in Game of Thrones — the Hound is severely wounded. This opens the door for Arya to land a killing blow. However, she leaves him for dead on a hillside instead. This decision keeps the Hound alive several seasons longer, and it raises questions about Arya’s reasons for refusing to kill him.

Arya Didn’t Want To Show The Hound Mercy (But Was Also Conflicted)

Arya leaving the Hound alive in Game of Thrones season 4 is a shocking development, as she vows to kill him for the two seasons prior. Her choice is a complicated one, and it doesn’t boil down to a single reason. On the one hand, killing the Hound after his fight with Brienne would make his death quicker. Given her resentment towards him, Arya likely doesn’t want to show Sandor Clegane mercy. She doesn’t feel he deserves it, and that appears to be the driving force behind her actions. After all, she stares him in the eyes as he begs her for mercy — then walks away without delivering it.

However, there’s little doubt that Arya is conflicted at this moment, as she and the Hound form a bond while traveling together. Although their interactions are often abrasive, he attempts to reunite her with her family. He also saves her from the Red Wedding, when she tries to rush into the fighting. With her loved ones gone, Arya doesn’t have many people she can count on. The Hound serves as a companion and protector for her throughout Game of Thrones seasons 3 and 4. As such, she’s probably sorry to lose him, adding another layer to her decision to walk away.

Arya & The Hound Were One Of Game Of Thrones’ Greatest Character Pairings

Arya’s complicated feelings about killing the Hound pinpoint why they make one of Game of Thrones’ best pairings. The series often creates compelling relationships between unlikely characters, and the Hound and Arya’s friendship is an obvious example. Their fondness for one another finally comes out during Game of Thrones season 8, when Sandor convinces Arya to abandon her quest for vengeance and prioritize living her life. His concern speaks to the Hound’s evolution throughout Game of Thrones, just as Arya’s words of gratitude prove she’s stopped hating him. It’s dynamics like this that make Game of Thrones such a great series — and cement its choice to keep certain characters alive.