**Chapter 1: The Cost of Salvation**

Gracie's memories of that fateful day still lingered in her mind like an open wound. She had saved Zatz, the love of her life, from the brink of death, but at a terrible cost. As she recalled the incident, her hand instinctively rose to the eyepatch that covered her left eye, a constant reminder of the sacrifice she had made. Her short, straight brown hair was tied back in a ponytail, and her brown eyes, though now one, still sparkled with a hint of warmth. Her lightly tan skin had a soft, golden glow, a testament to her mixed heritage. The events of that day replayed in her mind like a broken record: the rush to save Zatz, the desperation in his eyes, the pain, and the darkness that had followed. Gracie's gaze drifted to Zatz, who sat beside her, his eyes filled with concern. "¿Estás bien, mi amor?" Zatz asked softly, taking her hand in his. "Are you okay, my love?" Gracie forced a weak smile. "I'll be fine, Zatz. I just...I still get used to this." She gestured to her eyepatch. Zatz's expression turned somber. "I know, mi corazón. We'll get through this together." The temple's tranquil atmosphere enveloped them as they sat in the serene garden, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. Gracie had been brought here by Zatz, seeking the best care for her injured eye. The healer, a wise and kind old woman, had tended to Gracie's wound and provided her with a makeshift eyepatch. As Gracie rose from her seat, Zatz assisted her, his arm around her waist. "Vamos, Gracie. It's time to see our little one," he said, his voice filled with excitement. Their two-year-old son, whom they had named K'awiil, was waiting for them in the temple's nursery. Gracie's heart swelled with anticipation as she entered the room. She spotted K'awiil playing with blocks, his dark hair messy and his big brown eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Mamá!" K'awiil exclaimed, running towards her. Gracie's smile faltered as she knelt to greet her son. However, as she stood up, her foot caught on the hem of her robes, and she stumbled. Her eyepatch slipped, revealing the sealed eyeless socket beneath. K'awiil's eyes widened in terror as he took in the sight. "Mamá!" he shrieked, recoiling in fear. Gracie's face contorted in anguish as she watched her child back away from her, tears streaming down her face. Zatz quickly swept in, scooping up K'awiil and attempting to calm him down. That night, in their bedroom, Gracie lay on their bed, her heart heavy with sorrow. Zatz sat beside her, gently stroking her hair. "Lo siento, mi amor," he whispered. "I'm so sorry." Gracie turned to him, her one eye brimming with tears. "It's not your fault, Zatz. I did this for you." Zatz's gaze drifted to his own eyepatch, and for a moment, Gracie wondered what lay beneath. She had never seen his lost eye, but she had heard stories. "¿Quieres saber un secreto, mi corazón?" Zatz asked, his voice low. Gracie nodded, curiosity piqued. Zatz carefully removed his eyepatch, revealing a sealed socket eerily similar to Gracie's. "This is what Lord Mitclan took from me," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "My right eye." Gracie's breath caught in her throat as she stared at the sight. "Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, her voice trembling. Zatz's expression turned solemn. "I didn't want to burden you, mi amor. But now...now I think it's time our son knew the truth about us." As Gracie absorbed this new information, she realized that their journey was far from over. The sacrifices they had made would shape their lives forever, and their little family would have to face the challenges ahead, together.