Some weapons slice.Some whisper.Luna healed.And then ruled.
Arthur had conquered finance, faith, fashion, and politics — but in a world terrified of disease, addiction, and mental breakdown, there was still one realm unclaimed:
Health.
A Breath at the Edge of the World
He found her not in a city or a clinic, but on a wind-swept cliffside in New Zealand.
She was barefoot, eyes closed, performing a motionless yoga sequence as rain dripped from the sky like whispers of the divine.
Luna Reyes. Former neuroscientist. Now healer, body alchemist, and spiritual surgeon.
They said she cured billionaires of madness. Taught world leaders how to still their minds. Erased trauma like it was chalk on a board.
But no one could own her.
Until Arthur arrived.
The Approach
He didn't speak when he stepped into her sacred circle.
He removed his shoes. Let the rain touch his suit. And knelt.
Luna opened one eye.
"You're not here to heal," she said.
"No," Arthur replied. "I'm here to build an empire that never needs to."
The Pact of Breath
They talked for hours.
About trauma as currency.
About the pharmaceutical wars.
About nations kept sick to be ruled.
Arthur laid out his proposal:– Full control of Ashford Biogen Labs– Acquisition of holistic medicine institutions– Exclusive WHO leadership via covert buyouts– Neural research programs backed by empire tech– New age hospitals and mental rejuvenation sanctuaries
"You could touch every human soul," he said.
Luna tilted her head. "And what do you want in return?"
He met her eyes.
"Peace that cannot be taken — only granted."
She smiled faintly.
Unbreakable Vow Initiated
Loyalty: 100%Domain Assigned: Global Health, WHO Oversight, Medicine & Human Longevity
Rank: Dame
System Update
Arthur Ashford → Duke
Luna → Dame (WHO / Health)Molly → ViscountessKayla → AwaitingJessie → AwaitingOthers ranked up accordingly
Skill Unlocked: Genesis Protocol
Grants empire access to genetic and pharmaceutical manipulation.Allows Luna to detect illness, loyalty-breaking hormonal shifts, or poison in anyone Arthur interacts with.Medical institutions in 27 countries now fall under Ashford influence.
The World Bows to Her Touch
Within weeks:
WHO quietly replaced its board under Ashford-backed donors.
Vaccination programs were rerouted through Ashford Pharma chains.
Luna introduced Tranquil Cities — empire-controlled health sanctuaries that treated trauma, addiction, and anxiety at scale.
Nations saw a drop in suicide and mental illness rates.
But behind the healing?
Control.
One pill at a time.
Between Breath and Empire
In his private retreat, Arthur sat cross-legged across from Luna.
They meditated together for hours.
Finally, he opened his eyes and asked, "Do you regret joining me?"
Luna's eyes stayed closed, peaceful. "You don't understand peace. Not yet. But I'll teach you."
Then she reached over, placed a hand on his chest, and whispered:
"Even gods forget to breathe."