As if on cue, the song stopped. Charlotte Campbell was at the kitchen door looking at her husband and daughter smiling sweetly.

“Scotaidh,” she said surprised, “You’re home early.”

Scott winced as if she’d swung to strike him. He sat Talia down. “See Daddy, I told you,” she said quietly.

He looked down at Talia, “Go play in your room, sweety,” prodding her gently.

As she climbed the stairs he forced himself to smile. He waited until he heard her door click shut before he moved.

He advanced quickly on Charlotte, who stood her ground without flinching. “What are you thinking? We agreed.“

Charlotte tilted her head and looked up at him. “We did, didn’t we. But they have broken that agreement. It’s still seven months until he’s fifteen. No more hiding. I will use the name my father gave me.” Her green eyes were ablaze with indignation.

“And he did name correctly, Teàrlag,” Scott sneered, “Teàrlag, the Instigator.“

She let out a laugh and shook her head. “They will not take him, Scott.”