Wildfire

Aurora becomes increasingly frustrated that she and Russ have not even kissed since their one-night stand and expresses this to Emilia. Emilia suggests that she wait until she returns to Maple Hills and “the camp goggles are gone” to initiate anything serious with Russ (198). When Aurora calls her mother later, she’s uncharacteristically distant and claims that she’s adopted a stray cat. She also mentions that Aurora’s father is spending the summer break on a yacht with Norah and Isobel.

Emilia is scheduled for nightly watch duty with Xander, leaving Aurora alone in her cabin for the oncoming thunderstorm. Ever since a bad storm set the camp’s surrounding woods on fire one summer, Aurora has been uneasy with storms. After failed attempts at distracting herself with music and a book, Aurora gives in to the urge to seek out Russ. Near his cabin, she crosses paths with Russ—who was coming to check on Aurora. They give into their attraction and kiss.

Aurora and Russ retreat to his cabin, where they have sex. Russ gives Aurora verbal affirmations, which give her confidence and help her avoid the usual self-consciousness she’s felt with the other men she’s slept with.