Once their meal concluded, Khadija nestled into Ian's lap, her gaze lost in the horizon. "What do you suppose is happening back on Earth?" she mused.

"To be honest, I haven’t really thought about it. I've lost all sense of time. It could be day or night there for all I know."

"No, I mean with Kim, Tara, and Tanisha."

"Tara and Tanisha are probably consumed in their three-week camp. They loved it last year and couldn't wait to go back. Kim, I suspect, is overburdening herself with worries about her new Art gallery in Vancouver. I've always told her, 'Just let go. Allow the businesses to run themselves. Check in occasionally to ensure they're operating smoothly.'"

Khadija’s voice held a hint of curiosity. “And what’s the latest at Quantum Interface? There were a lot of long faces when you announced my return to Africa?”

Ian’s reply was laced with teasing irony. “Yes, some people still ask how you’re doing. Your uncle does a commendable job of maintaining the charade. Sorry but I have to ask… where are the locals? Don't they come here?”

Khadija’s smile held a cryptic edge. “They come here constantly. In fact, some are here right now, though you won't see them. Are you trying to ask if we're alone? We are quite alone.”

A flicker of unease crossed Ian’s face. “How can we be alone if they're here? Where are they?”

Khadija’s tone was playful, yet tinged with something deeper. “Is the magic still unsettling you? I thought you'd like that we’re alone.”

Ian’s gaze softened. “I am happy to have this time alone with you. Stop deflecting.”

“Kiss me,” Khadija requested, her voice low and inviting. Ian immediately complied, the kiss lingering in the air between them.

Pulling back slightly, Khadija murmured with a tinge of complaint in her voice, “Wow. I never imagined the day would come when I’d have to ask you to kiss me.”

A shadow of guilt crossed Ian’s features. “I’m sorry. I’ve been overwhelmed by the wonder of this world. It’s still new to me.”

Khadija tilted her head, a playful challenge in her eyes. “Yeah, but you've been here a week now… Do you still find me attractive?”

Ian’s response was immediate and earnest. “Of course I still find you attractive. You’re my wife, and I love you. Why are you worrying about such trivial things?”

Khadija’s voice took on a somber, almost complaining tone again. “We’ve only made love once, and I think you've only kissed me two or three times in a week.”

Ian sighed; his voice laced with regret. “You’re right. I’m sorry. It's not that I don't desire you. It's… I can’t seem to overcome how fragile you seem. It felt like I was hurting you when we were making love.”

Khadija’s expression was understanding, but tinged with sadness. “Okay, I understand. Do you think you’ll ever be able to look past my… new appearance?”

Ian reached for her hand; his touch gentle. “Of course. I just need time to adjust, to replace the image of you I’ve carried in my memory for six years.”

Khadija nodded, a hint of resolve entering her voice. “Alright. I think we’d better pack up and start heading back. We don't have a drone or a Tangler to whisk us back to the castle. It’s going to take a while. Come, I’ll give you a clue to the secret.” She rose gracefully and walked towards the edge of the plateau, her movements fluid despite her apparent fragility.

Instead of packing, Ian followed her, a mixture of anxiety and suspicion in his voice. “What’s the clue?” he asked, his gaze fixed on her retreating form.