A Clueless Genius Wolf (BL)

On the seventh day, we found land.

Dark shapes on the horizon sharpened into thick pine woods, jagged hills, and a rocky coastline framed by slate-colored waves. As we approached, I gave the order to slow down and anchor far from shore—well outside the range of any primitive weapons. The Royal Horizon's engines began to purr into a lower gear, and the twin navy escorts drifted into formation beside us like loyal wolves at the flanks of a great beast.

Upon the observation deck, I gathered with Captain Harlen of the Royal Horizon, mirror called Captain Vyla of Duskwind, and Captain Ren of Ironwake. Commander Zackery Clawsmith of the Royal Guards and a few key officers to discuss next steps. This wasn't just a military maneuver—it was diplomacy wrapped in uncertainty. We were not in our corner of the world anymore. We were strangers to this land, and our power, though considerable, did not entitle us to recklessness.

"A recon team should be first," I said. "Trained scouts, not soldiers, and someone who can talk calmly and intelligently."

"Agreed," Zackary nodded. "No aggressive posturing. But we keep security on high alert in case this turns ugly."

Captain Ren Gartz stroked his short beard. "If this place has any sort of leadership or civilization, they'll see us soon enough. No hiding a damn huge cruise ship with glowing runes and two steel-clad cruisers."

He wasn't wrong.

As if on cue, one of our deck mages ran up the stairs.

"Your Majesty!" he said, breathless. "We've spotted a small sailing vessel leaving the island. It's heading directly toward us."

We moved fast. By the time we reached the upper portside deck, the small vessel was already halfway through the sea channel, cutting across the glinting waves. A longboat. Wooden. Oars. Five, maybe six people onboard—no cannons, no visible siege gear. Likely scouts.

Through a spyglass, I spotted the crest flying on a green banner: a black bear in upright stance.

Kyle came up beside me, wind tugging his hair.

"Locals?" he asked.

"Looks like it," I murmured.

Meanwhile, on Bear Island…

They saw it before they believed it.

A huge ship that had never been seen before, made of steel and shimmering light, surrounded by two smaller—though still massive—metal beasts. The children of Bear Island had stopped playing. The fishers abandoned their nets. Every eye along the northern shoreline was fixed on the impossible thing casting its shadow over the sea.

"I saw it," said one guard, breathless. "By the Old God's beard, I swear it is massive."

"Don't be daft," muttered another. "Ships like that don't float, and it's made of metal."

"Not that one."

They raced to Lady Maege Mormont, a bear of a woman in boiled leather, axe always on her hip.

She didn't waste time gawking. Once she saw the scale of it from the cliffside lookout, her first reaction wasn't awe.

It was defense.

"Master Elric," she barked to the older man at her side. "Ravens. Send word to House Glover, House Flint, and Winterfell. Mark it urgent."

"Yes, my Lady."

The master scribbled furiously, attaching rolled scrolls to raven claws, and flung them into the sky.

Lady Maege's brow furrowed as she turned back to the impossible floating fortress.

"Could be invaders. It could be a miracle. Could be monsters," she growled.

"What shall we do, m'lady?" asked her sergeant.

She took a breath. "I won't be caught blind. We'll send a boat, half a dozen good fighters, and Gerta to speak. If these strangers want a fight, they'll have it. But let's try talking first."

"Aye."

Back on the Royal Horizon

I stood at the portside rail as the wooden longboat approached, gently slicing through the waves. The guards aboard wore fur-lined armor and carried steel axes, though they kept them at their sides. The woman in the center stood taller than the rest—broad-shouldered, hardened face, her green cloak snapping in the wind.

I turned to Zackary, the very tall Lion beast kin. "Send word to the bay ramp crew. Prepare a welcoming party—but lightly armed. Just enough to look prepared, not threatening. Also, no metal helmets. I want them to see us humans and beast-kin with our animal ears and tails on human bodies."

Then I faced Kyle.

"You're with me. Smile, but don't speak unless I give the nod."

He straightened up and grinned nervously. "Got it. Silent badass sidekick. I can do that."

I rolled my eyes. "Just… professional. Please."

We descended toward the landing bay together as the Bear Island longboat drew close, its warriors eyeing the Royal Horizon like it was a dragon out of legend.

They had no idea how right they might be.