It started with the stink of wet hay and eucalyptus swelling from the copper bowl in Seda’s hands. Melek’s breath fluttered against the red duvak, which tented out in front of her, casting a cardinal haze over the assembled women. That’s what they were: women, not friends. Friends wouldn’t be cutting the boards, assembling the gallows under her feet. Each woman dipped her fingers into the pot of henna, their hands turning rusty and stained. In turn, they...

    It started with the stink of wet hay and eucalyptus swelling from the copper bowl in Seda’s hands. Melek’s breath fluttered against the red duvak, which tented out in front of her, casting a cardinal haze over the assembled women. That’s what they were: women, not friends. Friends wouldn’t be cutting the boards, assembling the gallows under her feet. Each woman dipped her fingers into the pot of henna, their hands turning rusty and stained. In turn, they...