Mysterious guardian

The interior of the vehicle was cosy, with a faint scent of leather and pine. Maya stole a glance at the man behind the wheel. He radiated a sense of quiet power, his features dimmed by the shadows cast from the streetlights. He drove with practised ease, navigating the winding streets of Cedar Town with an unwavering focus on the road ahead. Despite her ongoing concern about Mr. Horatio's sudden appearance, Maya felt a strange sense of security.

They arrived at a sprawling apartment complex on the town's outskirts. It was far more posh than any student accommodation Maya had ever seen. Mr. Horatio helped Isla out of the car, her body swaying slightly. Maya followed, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

"This is your place?" she blurted out before she could stop herself.

Mr. Horatio glanced at her, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. "For now," he replied.