The world had finally shifted.
Maya was no longer a whisper behind closed doors.
She was a voice. A wave. A wildfire.
And she was no longer alone.
---
International media swarmed the story.
CNN, Al Jazeera, BBC—they all wanted interviews.
Zara managed the requests, filtering through chaos like a seasoned warrior. "Everyone wants a piece of your truth now."
But Maya only smiled faintly. "They're late to the party."
She didn't want fame.
She wanted impact.
---
More survivors came forward.
Some from the old homes. Some from the schools. Some who had never spoken until now.
One by one, their stories rippled out into the world like waves breaking chains.
---
A call came from the Minister of Justice.
A public hearing was to be held. Maya was invited to testify.
Jordan looked at her. "You don't owe them anything."
Maya's voice was firm. "I owe myself the sound of my voice in their chambers."
---
The day of the hearing, the gallery was packed.
Officials. Journalists. Survivors. Protesters with placards reading "Justice for Femi", "Expose the Shadows", and "Power Doesn't Excuse Pain."
Maya walked in wearing white.
Not for peace—but for rebirth.
---
She stood before the committee.
Calm. Unshaken.
And told her story—not as a victim, but as a witness to survival.
She spoke of the homes, the silence, the fire, her brother, the years she lost, and the people who protected evil under polished titles.
When she paused, you could hear a pin drop.
Then she said:
"This isn't just about me.
It's about every name that was forgotten.
Every voice that was crushed.
Every life turned into ash for someone else's comfort.
And I stand here today to say:
You will never bury truth again."
The hall erupted in applause.
Even the judge had tears in her eyes.
---
That night, Maya and Jordan returned to their apartment.
He took her hand gently. "You did it."
She looked at him, her voice soft but sure. "We did it."
Jordan leaned in and kissed her—slow and certain.
Not out of celebration.
But out of respect for the fire they both walked through together.
---
Three days later, news broke.
Her father was arrested at a private airstrip in Morocco.
Charged with:
Human rights violations
Financial fraud
Child endangerment
Conspiracy to obstruct justice
Maya stared at the headline.
No tears. No smile.
Just a quiet breath.
"He's just a man again," she whispered.
Jordan squeezed her hand. "And you're a storm."