They walked side by side through the Quarter, Shanta’s bangles clinking softly with each step. Lorraine tried to calm her breathing, though her nerves were still frayed from the confrontation with Dwade. Her hand still throbbed from punching him, the sting oddly satisfying.
Shanta seemed to notice. “Feels good, doesn’t it?”
Lorraine glanced at her. “What does?”
“Hitting back. Standing up when someone thinks they can step all over you.” Shanta gave a sly grin. “Your knuckles remember what your spirit’s been dying to say.”
Lorraine laughed, though it came out shaky. “I can't remember the last time I hit someone. I didn’t even think—I just…”
“Let yourself go. That’s power too, baby. Don’t mistake it.”
They turned a corner, leaving the crowded square behind. The street narrowed into quie
