The way she addressed him felt awkwardly distant.
Especially that "Uncle Killian" bit... It made Killian frown with displeasure. He much preferred it when Oriana called him Killian, or even dear.
It seemed Oriana was still holding onto the events from three years ago. Back then, it wasn't that Killian vanished without a trace; he was forced to leave.
Explaining it now in a few words was impossible, especially since it entailed certain dangers.
Killian was determined to keep Oriana out of it. This was his battle with an old nemesis.
"Why don't you just call me Killian?"
To him, the best approach was to gradually thaw Oriana's wounded and icy heart.
Oriana wanted to argue, but she knew exactly what kind of person Killian was—domineering, obsessive, and fiercely possessive.
"Alright,
