Stefan attempts to help Damon regain his grip on reality while secretly struggling with his own experience in the Phoenix stone. Matt and Bonnie deal with the fallout after Julian and his men take over Mystic Falls. Tyler returns to town for Alaric's baby shower.
After a twisted plan left Elena in a supernatural coma, her life linked to that of Bonnie, Damon is forced to navigate his new reality without the love of his life. Meanwhile, Stefan takes an active role in protecting the town from Lily and her family of Heretics.
An impulsive decision by Damon threatens to unravel a carefully negotiated deal between Stefan and Lily. Elsewhere, after returning to Whitmore College, Alaric turns to Bonnie for help with a mysterious and potentially dangerous artefact he has obtained.
Just as Damon thinks he's gained the upper hand in his fight against Lily, a turn of events leaves him scrambling for a plan B. Enzo sets off on a mission to find out what Valerie is hiding, while a plan set by Alaric and Bonnie leaves their worlds turned upside down.
Complications from her supernatural pregnancy leave Caroline's life hanging in the balance. Vampire hunter Rayna Cruz is on the loose and Damon has to make things right when his actions inadvertently put his loved ones in her path.