Amina led Ellis Barker to a room in the mansion, where maids were waiting. As soon as Amina entered, the maids knelt as a sign of respect. Amina instructed the maids to prepare Ellis for the bamming ritual. They quickly began to arrange Ellis and dress her in traditional attire suitable for the ceremony. In a matter of minutes, Ellis was ready for the ceremony.

Amina expressed her concern, saying, “You shouldn't have agreed to participate in the ritual, Ellis.”

Ellis looked ...