#Windows Data Recovery

[itsappleexpert]

Recover Your Files Safely Now

Data loss is a stressful experience that many of us face at some point. Whether it’s an accidental deletion, a corrupted hard drive, or a physical failure of your storage device, the thought of losing irreplaceable files can be overwhelming. However, there is good news: you can often recover your files safely and without much hassle if you follow the right process.

Step 1: Don’t Panic—Stop Using the Device

The most important step in any data recovery process is not to panic. While the situation might feel urgent, rushing into recovery can often make things worse. One of the first things you should do when you realize your files are lost is to stop using the device immediately.

Whether it’s a hard drive, SSD, or flash drive, continuing to use the device after data loss can overwrite the space where your deleted files are stored. This reduces the chances of successful recovery, especially when dealing with logical errors or accidental deletions. By halting use right away, you ensure that the deleted or corrupted files aren’t overwritten and can still be recovered.

If you’re dealing with an external storage device, disconnect it from your computer as soon as possible. If it’s an internal drive, turn off your system to prevent further damage. Remember, the key to successful data recovery is to stop writing new data to the affected storage.

Step 2: Assess the Situation and Identify the Type of Problem

Before jumping into recovery, it’s crucial to assess the situation to understand what kind of problem you’re dealing with. This step will help you determine whether the issue is mechanical, logical, or due to file corruption. Each type of issue may require a different approach to recovery.

Mechanical Failure: This is often the case with traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). If your hard drive is making strange noises (clicking, grinding, or beeping), there’s likely a mechanical failure inside the drive. This may require professional recovery services, as attempting to fix it yourself could cause irreversible damage.

Logical or File System Corruption: If your drive is functioning but you cannot access files, it may be a logical issue. This could be caused by corrupted files, accidental deletion, or a damaged file system. In this case, software recovery tools can often help restore your files.

Accidental Deletion: If you accidentally deleted files or formatted a drive, there is a good chance they can still be recovered. Even though they might seem gone, most deleted files aren’t immediately erased; they are simply marked as free space until new data is written over them.

External Device Issues: If you're using an external storage device and it’s not being recognized, the issue could be with the connection or the device itself. You may need to try different cables, ports, or devices to rule out connection issues before trying recovery.

Step 3: Use Data Recovery Software for Logical Errors

If the problem appears to be logical or related to accidental deletion, the good news is that data recovery software can often retrieve lost files. There are several reliable data recovery tools available that allow you to scan your device and restore lost data. Here are some of the most popular options:

Recuva: Recuva is a free and easy-to-use data recovery tool designed to recover deleted files from hard drives, memory cards, and external drives. It’s ideal for recovering files that have been accidentally deleted, lost due to a system crash, or erased from the Recycle Bin.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: EaseUS is another great tool that supports a variety of data loss scenarios, including deleted files, formatted drives, and raw partitions. Its intuitive interface makes it user-friendly for both beginners and professionals.

Disk Drill: Disk Drill offers a simple solution to recover deleted files from nearly any storage device, including hard drives, SSDs, and flash drives. It’s equipped with advanced scanning algorithms to maximize the chances of recovery.

PhotoRec: While primarily used for photo and media file recovery, PhotoRec is an open-source tool that can recover lost files from a wide range of storage devices, including hard drives, USB drives, and memory cards.

How to Use Data Recovery Software:

Download the software: Download and install the recovery software on a different drive than the one you're trying to recover data from.

Scan the drive: Open the software and select the drive or partition you want to scan. Choose the scanning method—quick or deep scan—depending on how thorough you want the search to be.

Preview and recover files: Once the scan is complete, you’ll typically be able to preview the files. Select the ones you want to recover and save them to a different location (such as an external drive or cloud storage) to avoid overwriting data.

Step 4: Seek Professional Help for Severe Issues

If the data recovery software cannot recover your files or if the problem appears to be more serious (such as physical damage), professional data recovery services are the best option. These services have the tools and expertise required to recover data from damaged drives, whether it’s mechanical failure, water damage, or electrical malfunction.

Here’s when you should consider professional help:

Your drive makes unusual noises (clicking, buzzing).

The drive is physically damaged (e.g., dropped or exposed to extreme conditions).

You’ve tried software recovery and haven’t had success.

You have critical, irreplaceable data and cannot afford to lose it.

Professional recovery services often have specialized cleanroom environments to open up and repair drives safely. While these services can be more expensive, they provide the highest chance of success, especially in cases of severe damage.

Step 5: Backup Your Files Regularly to Prevent Future Loss

Once you’ve successfully recovered your files, take steps to ensure that you’re better prepared in the future. Regular backups are crucial for protecting your important files from unexpected data loss. Here are a few strategies to back up your data:

External Hard Drives: Keep a backup of your important files on an external hard drive. This provides a physical backup that can be easily accessed and restored.

Cloud Storage: Use cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to automatically back up your files. Cloud storage offers the added benefit of being accessible from any device, anywhere.

Automated Backup Software: Set up automatic backups using software such as Acronis True Image or Macrium Reflect. These tools create scheduled backups so your data is regularly protected without any extra effort.

Keep Multiple Backup Copies: Ideally, you should use a combination of cloud storage and physical backups (external hard drives) to ensure redundancy. Keeping multiple copies of your data in different locations (e.g., at home and in the cloud) further protects your files.

Step 6: Use Preventative Measures to Avoid Future Loss

In addition to backing up your files, there are a few other measures you can take to prevent future data loss:

Surge Protection: Invest in surge protectors or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to safeguard your devices from power surges or outages.

Properly Eject Devices: Always properly eject external drives and USB devices from your computer before removing them to prevent file corruption.

Maintain Your Devices: Regularly check the health of your hard drives and other storage devices. Tools like CrystalDiskInfo can help monitor the health status of your drives and alert you to potential issues before they become serious problems.

Recover Your Files Safely Now

Recovering your files after data loss doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. By acting quickly, using the right tools, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can recover your important files safely and effectively. Remember, the key to success in data recovery is to stop using the device immediately, choose the appropriate recovery method, and take preventive measures to protect your data in the future.

By following these steps, you’ll increase your chances of a successful recovery and ensure that your data is safe for the long term. Don’t wait until it’s too late take control of your data recovery process and recover your files safely now.

[filehulk]

Wise Data Recovery

Wise Data Recovery is a utility app offering fast and free data recovery services. Whether you’ve lost files due to accidental deletion, a formatted drive, or a system crash, this software can help. It retrieves lost files from both internal and external storage. With this, accidental deletions won’t cause panic anymore. The app is lightweight, ensuring it doesn’t slow down your system or…

[songofsaraneth]

my 8 year old macbook just crashed and wouldnt restart and if recovery move doesn’t fix things i think i really will crawl into a cave and sleep for 10000 years fuck me

[techdirectarchive]

Install Splunk and Veeam App on Windows Server to monitor VBR

Splunk Enterprise is a powerful platform that automates the collection, indexing, monitoring, and alerting of data. This enables you to aggregate and analyze events efficiently. With Splunk, you can gain full control over your data flow and leverage it to drive business insights and decisions. Kindly read about data management and governance. n this acticle, we shall discuss how to install Splunk…

[gadgetrumours]

Methods to Recover Lost Data in Windows 10 [Users Guide]

Recovering lost data in Windows 10 is essential as inappropriate handling of the issue and knowledge of the right plan of action could lead to the loss of critical files. Although deleted files represent just a little of the resulting element for data recovery, the most frequently seen data recovery situation results from an unexpected stop of the data transmission process that is caused by an…

[datarecoverysoftwaresblog]

Recover Shift Deleted Files on Windows 11/10/8/7

Accidentally shift deleted important files? Don’t worry! With BLR Tools’ Data Recovery Tool, recovering shift deleted files on Windows 11/10/8/7 is easier than ever. This advanced software is designed to dig deep into your system, locating and restoring files that were permanently deleted, bypassing the Recycle Bin. Whether you’ve lost crucial documents, cherished photos, or any other file type, BLR Tools provides a quick and efficient recovery process that saves you from data loss. 

The software is equipped with an intuitive interface, making it accessible for both beginners and professionals. It also supports a wide range of file formats, ensuring that nothing is left behind. Plus, with its compatibility across multiple Windows versions, you can rely on BLR Tools for all your data recovery needs, regardless of the system you're using. Don’t let accidental deletion cause unnecessary stress—trust BLR Tools for comprehensive and reliable data recovery solutions across all Windows platforms.

Read Full Article:- https://medium.com/@business_35188/recover-shift-deleted-files-on-windows-11-10-8-7-full-guide-9b6a286805db

[technijianravi]

Critical Windows Update: Apply Patch Now to Prevent Black Basta Ransomware

[itsappleexpert]

Fast and Reliable MacBook Fix

MacBooks are integral to our personal and professional lives. Whether you use your MacBook for work, school, entertainment, or creativity, a malfunctioning device can bring your day to a screeching halt. From slow performance to hardware issues, MacBooks can experience a variety of problems that affect productivity. Fortunately, fast and reliable MacBook repairs are just a service away.

The Importance of Quick MacBook Repairs

In a world where speed and efficiency are critical, downtime caused by a malfunctioning MacBook can be costly. Whether you're a professional who needs your MacBook to meet deadlines, a student trying to finish assignments, or someone who just enjoys using their device for leisure, the importance of fast repairs cannot be overstated. A prompt repair ensures that you don’t lose productivity and minimizes the frustration of being without your device.

Having reliable and experienced technicians on hand who can diagnose and fix the issue quickly is essential for keeping your workflow smooth. With the right service provider, you can expect repairs to be completed efficiently, ensuring your MacBook is back up and running in no time.

Common MacBook Issues That Require Quick Fixes

Before diving into how fast repairs work, let’s look at some of the most common MacBook problems that might need a quick fix:

1. Slow Performance

A slow MacBook is one of the most common complaints users have. Over time, your MacBook may become bogged down with unnecessary files, outdated software, or a failing hard drive. In many cases, these issues can be resolved quickly by deleting junk files, reinstalling the operating system, or upgrading the storage device (such as switching to an SSD).

2. Battery Issues

A MacBook with a battery that won’t hold a charge or dies too quickly can be a real hindrance, especially when you're on the go. Battery issues can arise due to age, excessive charge cycles, or even a software issue. Replacing the battery is a relatively quick fix, and many service providers offer on-the-spot replacements to get your device back to full power.

3. Broken or Cracked Screen

Accidents happen, and one of the most common MacBook problems is a broken or cracked screen. This can occur if you drop your MacBook or bump it too hard. While replacing a screen might seem like a complicated task, skilled technicians can replace a MacBook screen in just a few hours, restoring your device’s visual clarity.

4. Keyboard and Trackpad Issues

Sticky or unresponsive keys, malfunctioning trackpads, or other keyboard-related issues can make using your MacBook a frustrating experience. Sometimes, cleaning the keyboard or fixing trackpad settings can resolve these issues, while other times, the entire keyboard may need to be replaced. These repairs are typically straightforward and can be completed quickly.

5. Overheating

Overheating is a common problem, especially in older MacBooks or those used for extended periods of time. When your MacBook gets too hot, it can lead to slower performance and even permanent damage to the internal components. Often, cleaning the cooling system or replacing the thermal paste can solve this issue, and this can typically be done within a short period.

6. Software Glitches or Crashes

If your MacBook is constantly crashing or freezing, it could be due to software issues or conflicts. In many cases, a software update, a fresh installation of macOS, or a quick diagnostic can resolve these issues. These types of problems often don’t require extensive repairs, making them quick fixes that can restore your MacBook to a stable state.

7. Hard Drive or SSD Failure

If your MacBook's storage drive fails, it can lead to data loss and a non-functioning system. Fortunately, replacing a hard drive or upgrading to an SSD is a common fix. This repair may take some time depending on the extent of the issue, but it is often a relatively straightforward solution for restoring functionality.

The Benefits of Fast and Reliable MacBook Repairs

1. Minimizing Downtime

When your MacBook is down, so is your productivity. A fast repair minimizes the amount of time you spend without your device, allowing you to get back to work, school, or leisure activities as soon as possible. Whether you're dealing with a broken screen or a malfunctioning keyboard, quick repairs ensure minimal downtime, so you don't miss a beat.

2. Preventing Further Damage

Ignoring MacBook problems can lead to more severe damage over time. For instance, an overheating issue can cause damage to internal components like the motherboard or logic board, while a small battery problem can worsen if left unchecked. Quick repairs can prevent minor issues from escalating, saving you from more expensive and complicated fixes down the road.

3. Expert Diagnosis

The key to a fast and reliable fix is a proper diagnosis. Experienced technicians have the expertise to quickly identify the root cause of the problem and provide a targeted solution. Rather than spending hours troubleshooting, you can rest assured that a professional will get to the heart of the issue efficiently and correctly.

4. Quality Assurance

Fast repairs should never compromise quality. When choosing a reliable MacBook repair service, you can expect the highest quality parts and the best repair techniques. Whether you're getting a battery replacement, screen repair, or software fix, you can trust that the repair is done right the first time, ensuring your MacBook is fully functional after the service.

5. Convenience and Flexibility

Many reliable MacBook repair services offer the convenience of at-home or on-site repairs. This means you can have your device fixed at a time and place that works for you. The technician can come to your office, home, or other location, ensuring the repair process is both convenient and fast.

6. Affordable Pricing

In addition to speed and reliability, many repair services offer competitive pricing. Fast repairs can often be completed at affordable rates, ensuring you don’t break the bank while restoring your device. Be sure to choose a repair service that offers transparent pricing and clear estimates before beginning work.

How to Ensure You Get Fast and Reliable MacBook Fixes

When looking for a fast and reliable MacBook repair service, it’s important to choose a provider that has a proven track record of success. Here are a few things to look for:

Experience and Expertise: Choose a service provider that specializes in MacBook repairs and has trained technicians familiar with all MacBook models.

Warranty and Guarantee: Ensure that the repair service offers a warranty on parts and labor, so you’re covered if the issue arises again.

Customer Reviews: Check customer reviews to see if others have had positive experiences with quick and reliable repairs.

On-Site Repair Options: Many fast repair services offer on-site repairs for your convenience. Look for companies that can come to your location to fix your device.

Transparent Pricing: Make sure the repair provider offers clear and upfront pricing so that there are no surprises later.

A MacBook is more than just a device; it's a tool that keeps us productive, connected, and entertained. When it’s not working properly, it can create major disruptions. With fast and reliable MacBook fixes, you can get back to work quickly and with minimal hassle. From cracked screens to software glitches, expert technicians can diagnose and repair issues in a timely and efficient manner, allowing you to enjoy your MacBook’s full functionality once again. Whether you need an on-site repair or need to take your MacBook in for a quick fix, choosing a reliable repair service will ensure that your device is up and running in no time, keeping your life moving forward without interruption.

[ezdatarecovery]

How To Fix a Broken USB - Quick repair

[delicatecyclegardener]

Simply Recover Deleted Photos on PC

Recover your deleted photos with Recycle Bin.

Recover your deleted photos from Recycle Bin with Syncios D-Savior.

[techdirectarchive]

How to Import Data from a GitHub Repository to Postman

You can have your API definitions, environments and endpoint collections in a Git repository imported to Postman so you can continue to work with it. Postman supports importing data from different repositories like GitHub, Bitbucket, GitLab, and Azure DevOps. You can also import data from a local repository on your computer or from a remote repository hosted somewhere in the cloud. In this…

[xelinielx]

Even Broken, I Still Love You

The ending of book 7 has just WRECKED me and I wrote some hurt/comfort because I have feelings about my dragon boy. I put a link to the AO3 post as well. I usually never post writing on here but this piece doesn't fit in on my other blog so here it is.

SPOILERS FOR THE END OF BOOK 7

Header by MagicPaint. AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/63793984

“Do you think I’m a monster?”

Malleus’ voice was uncharacteristically quiet, tone so low that you had to strain to hear him. The question hung heavy in the air.

He still hadn’t turned to face you, staring out of the small window of the bedroom that he slept in during his stay at S.T.Y.X. There wasn’t much of a view out of the windows besides dark, moving water, so it was clear that Malleus was using the window as an excuse not to look at you.

It was clear just by looking that the overblot had taken an immense toll on him. He looked completely different from his usual self. Not only had his usual dark robes been changed to the S.T.Y.X-themed clothing that test subjects wore, but there was something about the way he held himself that was fundamentally different from before.

The noble dragon fae usually held his head high in a regal posture that was hard for anyone else to replicate, authority and power exuding from his very stance. It was a far cry to the way he was posed currently, hunched over as if trying to make himself seem smaller, trembling fingers clutching onto the windowsill. 

There was also a different aura surrounding him that was different from how his emotions could manipulate the weather around him. It wasn’t the feeling of crackling electric anger, or even the heavy, suffocating pressure drop as rain clouds formed. It was a deep, exhausted sorrow that seemed to weigh the entire room down. 

As Malleus had a collar to monitor his magic usage, the aura was, for once, not physical, yet it somehow felt more tangible than any emotional outburst you had seen from him. More real despite not actually being there.

A few days had passed since the final battle that had marked the end of Malleus’ overblot. When he had been reassured that Lilia was alright, Malleus had been taken by the Ferrymen as well as both Idia and Ortho to S.T.Y.X for monitoring and data-collection. No one had wanted to take the risk of leaving him in a state where he risked a second overblot, so once he had stabilized enough, the Director allowed him to request visitors. 

It had not seemed like a wise decision to keep Malleus cut off from the rest of the world as was S.T.Y.X’s norm since almost losing Lilia was what had brought on the overblot in the first place. Leaving Malleus not knowing how the people he cared about were doing was too high of a risk.

The first visitor that Idia had (begrudgingly) been tasked with delivering to the Isle of Woe was Lilia - to the surprise of no one. Both the Director and Idia had been hesitant to risk putting the strain of travel on Lilia so soon after everything that had happened, but Lilia had been uncaring of the worries and insisted that he had to go. 

Silver and Sebek were still in recovery - where Lilia was also supposed to be - and while Malleus had wished to see both his retainers as well, the Director had put his foot down. It was too dangerous to bring all three over already, so after negotiating, Malleus had agreed to let Sebek and Silver heal for a while longer before he got to see them. 

Lilia had also threatened the director, saying that if he refused to pick him up to go see his ward, Lilia would jump into the water surrounding Sage’s Island and swim until he managed to find the Isle of Woe. 

Besides researchers checking cameras and vitals to make sure both fae were alright, the two of them had been given space to speak alone. Whatever they spoke about was kept between them and S.T.Y.X, but it had involved lots of hugging and tears.

Two days after Lilia’s visit, Ortho had contacted you through your phone, telling you that Malleus had requested your presence at the Isle of Woe, which is where you currently were, staring at his trembling form for the first time since he had been taken in for monitoring. 

Normally, you’d have cracked a smile seeing the fae-prince surrounded by this much technology that he had no idea how to use, but the items in the room were the furthest things away from your mind.

Slowly, as if approaching a wounded animal, you walked over to Malleus’ shaking form. With a gentleness that Malleus wasn’t used to feeling, you placed your hand softly atop his. It felt a bit strange at first, feeling his cold skin instead of the gloves he tended to wear, but the feeling of strangeness quickly disappeared. 

A pair of wide, emerald-green eyes stared down at where your hand rested on top of his, filled with an unspoken question.

Why?

For a moment, the two of you stood still in silence as you searched for the right words. Eventually, you took a calming breath and spoke up, voice soft and calming.

“Mal,” you began, using an affectionate nickname to hopefully help him relax.

His breath hitched for a moment, surprise evident. 

“I understand why you used your ultimate magic. Why the circumstances caused you to overblot. You wanted to protect the people that were precious to you and keep them from harm, protecting both them and yourself from getting hurt.”

A single tear ran down Malleus’ cheek as he finally turned to fully face you, leaving a wet track across his porcelain skin. He still refused to meet your eyes, scared of what he would see reflected in them.

“You had good intentions. There is nothing evil about wanting to keep your loved ones safe. If I had been in your position, I think that I would have overblotted too,” you admitted quietly, giving Malleus a small, weak smile. “So there is no way that I can possibly blame you for making the same choices I would have if I were you.”

In a silent plea, Malleus turned his hand around to face palm-up. You responded by lacing your fingers together with his, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.

“Please look at me?” you asked in a small, yet hopeful voice.

Slowly, Malleus’ green eyes moved from your intertwined hands up your arm, then neck, where they paused briefly before finally meeting yours. 

The hate and anger he had expected to see was nowhere to be seen. He could see his reflection, and was unable to determine whether the sadness he saw came from you or himself.   

You lifted your free hand to his face, letting it gently rest against his cheek. Your thumb moved to brush another tear away. 

“Malleus Draconia,” you said, staring deep into his eyes.

“You are not a monster.”

Those words seemed to snap whatever makeshift dam he had constructed to keep his emotions at bay, shattering it completely. 

Malleus began to cry. Tears flowed down his cheeks and sobs tore their way out of his heaving chest as he finally let go of control and allowed his emotions to run free. 

Unable to stand up anymore, Malleus fell to his knees on the floor, burying his face against your stomach as he cried. His arms wrapped around you tightly as if you were the only thing keeping him upright. He held you like he would collapse if there was even as much as a millimetre of space between the two of you.

His devastating sobs and the desperate way he clung to you broke your heart. You wasted no time sinking down to kneel in front of the dragon fae so that you could properly return his full embrace. 

Tears soaked your shirt as Malleus clung to you so desperately that it felt like you would bruise or your clothes would tear from his strength at any moment. That didn’t matter, though. Bruises didn’t matter. Clothes didn’t matter. S.T.Y.X didn’t matter.

Nothing mattered in that moment but the sobbing fae in your arms.

Malleus sobbed out apologies in between cries, and you did your best to calm him, whispering reassurances as you alternated between rubbing his back and petting his head gingerly, being extra mindful of his horns.

At some point, you ran out of new things to say, defaulting to a reassuring ‘it’s okay’ as you held him. Hopefully, he would feel better after letting it all out. You weren’t going anywhere.

It could have been anything from mere minutes to several hours, but eventually, Malleus’ sobs began to die down to sniffles.

He lifted his head from where he had buried it against your shoulder, glancing up to meet your eyes with his red-rimmed, puffy ones.

“I’m sorry,” he said, voice cracking. “For everything. All the people I hurt. The things I-” 

Fresh tears spilled past his lash line, and you didn’t hesitate to cup his face in your hands, brushing them away as they fell. Malleus leaned into the warmth of your palms, seeking the reassurance your touch held. 

“You don’t need to apologize, Mal,” you whispered, smiling at him. “Not to me. Never to me.” 

Leaning forward, you pressed a featherlight kiss against the scale on his forehead which peeked out from between tousled locks of hair. 

“There was nothing unforgivable about what you did. The people who were hurt are recovering, the school is being rebuilt, and everyone is safe.” 

Malleus’ breath hitched. Tears glistened in the corners of his eyes and across his long lashes like tiny diamonds. 

“Aren’t you afraid?” he asked, voice still quiet and trembling. The ‘of me’ was left unsaid, but you knew it was there. 

Your immediate smile was all the reassurance Malleus needed, but you still decided to verbally reassure him as well.

“I could never be afraid of you, Mal.”

The relief Malleus felt was palpable as he finally relaxed, shoulders dropping from their tense position as he leaned his weight into you. 

His head shifted to press a pointed ear against your chest, listening to the steady and even thumps of your heartbeat.

To better support the body weight of the dragon fae, you shifted your sitting position so that you could lean your back against the wall. You refused to let Malleus get up so you could move, holding him close and carding your fingers through his hair with soft, comforting motions. 

“But I saw…” Malleus’ voice cracked. “When my horn broke, I saw the look in your eyes. You looked terrified.” The last part of the sentence was a mere whisper, but the close proximity between the two of you made you able to pick it up. 

“I was scared, yes,” you began, feeling something in your chest ache as you felt the powerful mage in your arms flinch. “But not of you.”

Malleus tilted his head to meet your eyes, brows furrowed in confusion. 

You let out an airy laugh, brushing a stray lock of hair behind his ear. “I was afraid for you. Afraid that you would have to be killed to stop your overblot. Afraid that I would never get to hold you like this again.”

You could feel tears brimming in your own eyes as you poured your heart out. “Mal, I love you. Nothing you have done or will do could ever change that.” 

Cold lips pressed against yours with a soft reverence. The kiss was slow, unhurried as the two of you conveyed a thousand words between each other in a silent, intimate moment. 

When you pulled apart, Malleus rested his forehead against yours, the cold of his forehead scale comforting. “You wish to stay by my side still?” he asked, knowing the answer deep down, yet still fearful he would be mistaken.

“Always.”

“Even if I look like this now?” he urged, leaning away far enough to do a sweeping motion towards his face and now uneven, damaged horns. “Even if-”

You cut him off with another kiss, this time more demanding than the prior. You tried pouring all your love into the kiss, trying to clear the insecure thoughts from Malleus’ mind. Taking the opportunity provided by Malleus as he had leaned away before, you climb into his lap, making yourself comfortable. 

Pulling away from the kiss, you cradled his face gently but firmly in both hands, making sure he couldn’t look away from you.

“Malleus, if you think something as insignificant as you looking different is enough to take me away from your side, you are far from correct.” You let your left hand travel up his face until it was gently tracing the base of his broken horn. 

“You could have four horns, eight and a half horns, or no horns at all, and it would still have no impact at all on my feelings for you.” 

Carefully, you gently ran the pads of your fingers over the broken part of the horn where it had snapped off. Malleus shuddered beneath you as your touch danced across his exposed, extra sensitive nerves.

“I love you because you are you. Not because you’re a Draconia, or a powerful fae. None of that matters.” Your hand returned to cradling his face once more. 

“Of course, having a strong, handsome partner is a bonus,” you added with a giggle, delighting in the small, pale blush that crept across Malleus’ cheeks.

“But I’m not with you because of those things. I’m with you because of all the things that make you you. The care that you show for me and those you care about, how fireflies follow you at night and circle our clasped hands. The cute way you pout when Sebek mixes up gargoyles and grotesques, itching to correct him. The childlike wonder you show to every new thing you learn…”

You take a breath, wishing in vain for your voice to stay strong, but failing miserably.

“- the way that all you’ve ever wanted is for people to see you for who you are, and be able to be yourself, unburdened by expectations and prejudices.”

Tears were flowing down your cheeks now, making you feel embarrassed. Right now, you needed to be the strong one supporting Malleus - not the other way around. 

Swallowing the lump in your throat, you placed your hand against his chest, right above his heart.

“I see you.” 

A relieved, genuine smile - the first one you’d seen since the overblot - stretched across Malleus’ lips. He leaned into the touch of your palm, eyes shining with both residual tears and adoration. 

“What did I ever do to deserve you?” he asked.

You immediately shook your head in outrage. “What do you mean deserve? You silly, silly dragon. You didn’t have to do anything at all but exist.” 

Letting out a sound that was something halfway between a laugh and a sob, you continued as Malleus’ arms wrapped around your waist, holding you close. 

“If anything, I’m the one undeserving of you.” 

His mouth fell open in shock, about to cut you off, but you forced yourself to continue, undeterred.

“You’re the prince of Briar Valley. Not only do you have magic, but you’re one of the most powerful mages in the whole world! And the most ethereal, gorgeous person I have ever seen. I’m a nobody compared to you. A magicless human from another world with nothing really special about me. My life is so much shorter than yours, and I-”

This time, Malleus refused to let you continue and cut you off. A slender finger pressed against your lips as he let out a dry laugh. “My love, do you hear yourself? You are bringing up all the things you said didn’t keep you from loving me to put yourself down. Just as these things don’t matter to you, it is the same way for me. I did not fall in love with you because you’re a human or because it would benefit Briar Valley. I would renounce my claim on the throne in a heartbeat for you.”

Malleus cupped your cheek, mirroring your own earlier actions. 

“I fell in love with the first person outside of my country who truly saw me for myself, was undeterred by how awkwardly I engage in conversation, and extended invitations to me - being the first person to see me as a choice, someone they wanted to be around. You have never looked upon me with the fearful gaze of a subject kneeling before me, and have never made me feel excluded in any way due to being a prince.” 

He let out a laugh, gazing fondly up at you. “Any and every day with you is an adventure. No matter where you take me, what we do together, or what people around us whisper about, it’s the fact that I’m doing it with you that makes it special.”

“Even though I laughed at you when you were startled and jerked back when they were popping popcorn at a market stall and me and Silver had to fight to keep Sebek from drawing his sword at the poor owner of the stall?” 

Malleus let out a loud burst of laughter. “Moments like those are my favorite. Spending time with people I care about, and learning new things while not a single thought about my royal lineage crosses my mind.” 

Falling quiet for a moment, Malleus seemed to ponder something. With a resolute nod to himself, he resumes speaking. 

“Like you said, I am aware that the differing length of our respective lifespans is a source of conflict and worry. I do not wish to ever lose you. You saw what happened when I was afraid I would lose Lilia…” he trailed off for a moment, but quickly collected himself.

“Even though that is a fear I harbor, I do not wish to give up on loving you. If you are willing to stay with me despite all that I’ve done, we have many years to find a solution… and…” Malleus took a deep breath, meeting your gaze again, tears pooling at the corners of his eyes. 

“...and should we not find a solution, then so be it. I would much rather have lived a life with you in it and then lose you than never having had you in my life at all.” 

Terrified of loss and sadness, and knowing the potential consequences of that, he still wanted nothing more than to spend as many years as possible at your side. A century is a short time for a fae, yet even if that is all the time with you that he gets, he is certain that it will be the most memorable and most valuable hundred years he ever lives.

“You ass,” you choked out with a laugh, wiping your nose with the sleeve of your shirt. “I’m the one supposed to be sappy and reassure you - not the other way around.” There was no mirth or anger in your eyes, and the remark was playful, attempting to lighten the mood. 

Malleus let out a chuckle, chest rumbling. “Who is to say that I am not supposed to be the so-called ‘sappy’ one?” he asked, nuzzling his face into the crook of your neck. “You are truly precious to me, and I cannot in any amount of words in any language properly convey just how much you mean to me.” 

He fell silent once more, peeking up at you through his lashes. “Are you truly certain that you wish to be with me after all this?” 

There was no need to pause and think. You already knew your answer and had known it for a long time now.

“There is no place I would rather be.” 

Eventually, the pair of you fell asleep cuddled together on the floor, clutching each other tightly as if fearing that the other would disappear otherwise. Your head rested on Malleus’ chest, lulled to sleep by the soft, rumbling purrs he let out as he slept curled around you like a dragon guarding its hoard.

And for the first time since the overblot, neither of you worried about what you would find in your dreams, content to exist in the perfect reality that could only be found in the other’s arms.

[huxhsz]

✈ — weightless paradise

transmigrated non-mc!reader x caleb

prev ch: 02 - experiment┆series masterlist ┆next ch: 04 - helplessness

This isn’t how the game was supposed to go. You're not supposed to be here. You're an anomaly. But if you’re already here, then… can’t you just enjoy it for now? Just for a little while? Before the main story begins? Before everything inevitably falls into place? ...Right?

— content warning/s:

non-consensual medical & scientific experimentation

torture and pain

implied abuse and dehumanization

physical violence and injury (cutting, burning, blunt trauma)

blood and gore

powerlessness and loss of agency

cross-posted on ao3! ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و ♡

CH. 03 — REGENERATION

You know it’s coming long before they take you.

The way the scientists look at you has changed. The whispers when they pass, the lingering stares through the observation window—it’s been building for days. They’ve been patient. Watching. Waiting.

Today, they’re done waiting.

The guards come for you after morning rations. Caleb’s still chewing on a stale protein bar when they grab your arm. He freezes, his gaze sharpening.

“No,” he says flatly.

One of the guards shoots him a warning look. “Stay out of it.”

Caleb moves anyway, standing before you. His hand catches your wrist, fingers curling tightly.

“You’re not taking them,” he says.

“Let go,” the guard snaps.

Caleb doesn’t. His grip tightens. His eyes burn cold and sharp, something dangerous flickering behind them.

“Hey,” you say quietly. “It’s okay.”

He doesn’t look at you. “No, it’s not.”

The guard’s hand falls to the baton at his side.

“It’s okay,” you repeat, more firmly this time. You pry Caleb’s fingers loose from your wrist. His grip lingers just a second too long.

The guards drag you away.

The room is cold.

They strip you down to the standard medical gown—thin, scratchy fabric that clings to your skin. The table beneath you is hard and metal, straps digging into your wrists and ankles.

“You’re Subject 000,” one of the scientists says, speaking more to his clipboard than to you. “Chronosight.”

You don’t answer.

“We need to test your regenerative capabilities.”

Your breath catches. “What?”

The scientist doesn’t even look at you. “We’ve seen indications of accelerated recovery, but no confirmed data.” He taps his pen against the clipboard. “Today, we’ll be determining the limits.”

Your stomach turns.

Limits.

“What—” Your voice breaks. You swallow hard and try again. “What does that mean?”

The scientist gestures toward one of the assistants. You hear the tray before you see it—metal instruments clattering faintly against one another. Blades. Syringes. Scissors.

Your blood runs cold.

“I don’t…” Your breathing quickens. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“It’s necessary,” the scientist says. “For research.”

You flinch as one of the assistants grabs your arm, forcing it flat against the table. Something cold swipes over your skin—alcohol.

“It’s okay,” you tell yourself. “I’ll be fine. It’s okay. It’s okay.”

The scalpel gleams as the assistant lifts it.

The blade sinks into your arm.

The pain is white-hot, sharp enough to steal the breath from your lungs. You barely hear yourself scream. Your body jerks instinctively against the straps. Blood spills across your skin, bright and wet.

It hurts. It hurts. It hurts.

The assistant pulls the blade away. The wound gapes open—too deep, too wide. Blood drips steadily down your arm.

The scientist leans closer, watching. Waiting.

You wait too.

For the pain to fade. For the wound to close. For something—anything—to fix this.

Seconds pass. Your arm still burns.

“It’s not healing,” one of the assistants mutters.

“Wait,” the scientist says.

The pain sharpens, a dull throb radiating through your bones. You squeeze your eyes shut, clutching at the flickering threads of your ability—the tangled web of timelines twisting behind your eyes.

There’s too much. Too many outcomes. Too many paths. None of them end with this not hurting.

Then—slowly—the pain fades.

When you open your eyes, the wound is closing. Flesh knitting back together, skin smoothing over as if nothing happened. Blood still stains your arm, but there’s no sign of the injury.

“She’s stable,” the scientist murmurs. “Accelerated recovery confirmed.”

“Again,” someone says.

The blade returns.

They test burns. Blunt trauma. A puncture wound to your side. Each injury sears through you—sharp, overwhelming, impossible to forget. The worst part isn’t the pain.

It’s knowing they’ll just keep going.

You lose track of how many times it happens—how many times they hurt you, watch you heal, then hurt you again. Your mind swims, flickering in and out of focus. Everything is red and white and wrong.

At some point, the scientist’s voice cuts through the haze.

“That’s enough for today.”

Cold hands unbuckle the straps. You feel yourself being lifted—your body heavy, limbs numb.

You barely remember the walk back.

When you wake up, you’re in your room again.

Your body aches, every nerve still buzzing faintly with pain. The cuts are gone, the burns no longer blistering your skin—but you feel them. The memory of it lingers, crawling beneath your skin.

Something warm presses against your hand.

You turn your head.

Caleb’s sitting beside you. His hair is a mess, his jacket wrinkled like he’s been here for hours. His fingers are wrapped tightly around yours, his knuckles white.

“You’re awake,” he says quietly.

Your voice shakes. “Yeah.”

His grip tightens. His head dips forward, his hair falling over his eyes. He doesn’t say anything for a long time.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs.

You blink slowly. “For what?”

“For not stopping them.”

His voice is quiet, but there’s something raw beneath it.

You squeeze his hand. “It’s not your fault.”

His fingers twitch against yours. “It should’ve been me.”

“It shouldn’t have been anyone,” you say.

He doesn’t answer.

The silence stretches between you, thin and fragile.

Finally, his hand lifts. His palm presses lightly against your face, warm and steady. His thumb brushes beneath your eye.

“You’re okay now,” he says softly. “That’s what matters.”

You don’t know if that’s true.

But you close your eyes, lean into his hand, and pretend that it is.