Damon tries to figure out how to make a disturbing confession to Elena.

Bonnie has an unsettling encounter with Luke (CHRIS BROCHU), and learns more about his family history. The Travelers' leader, Markos (RAFFI BARSOUMIAN), arrives in Mystic Falls.

Elena and Stefan start having dreams about an alternate version of their lives; The Travelers move in on Mystic Falls; Matt has a frightening encounter on the Other Side.

Enzo holds Elena, Stefan and Bonnie hostage to uncover the truth about the love of his life. Markos performs a ritual to undo witch's magic.

Damon and Caroline suspect Stefan and Elena of keeping a secret while they hide from the travelers, unaware of the dead man out for revenge. Meanwhile Matt, Jeremy and Bonnie help Tyler get rid of Julian.

When Stefan and Elena escape from Markos' control, only to find themselves Stranded in a remote location, Stefan gets philosophical with Elena about her relationship with Damon. After their attempt to protect the doppelgangers goes badly, Liv and Luke come up with a dangerous new strategy. Damon recruits Matt and Jeremy to help him set a trap for Markos, who turns out to have a devastating surprise of his own. Bonnie finally admits to Caroline that she's been keeping the truth about the Other Side from everyone. Finally, while Bonnie searches desperately for a way to stop Markos, Caroline is witness to an unthinkable act of violence by one of the Travelers.

Damon's plan causes a huge explosion in Mystic Falls, and everyone is caught up in the confusion, leaving a trail of heroism, sacrifice, relief and despair.

Four months have gone by since the Other Side broke down and Bonnie and Damon were lost. Mystic Falls is still a supernatural-free area. Everyone is grieving in their own ways, and some worse than others.

Caroline admits that she has feelings for Stefan. Bonnie and Damon find clues that make them think they might not be alone.

Elena is forced to confront her problems; Liv and Tyler get closer; Damon finds a surprising clue that renews his hope.

Elena gets some hopeful news from Alaric and Stefan regarding the Gemini Coven; Tyler tries to help Liv and Luke after learning of disturbing plans the coven has for them; dinner takes a drastic turn for Jo; Kai makes a dangerous discovery.

Bonnie tries to replicate her favorite traditions, while reminiscing about happier times with her friends; Sheriff Forbes brings holiday cheer to Caroline at Whitmore College; Alaric turns to Damon and Elena for help when Jo goes missing; Tyler approaches Liv and Luke with a risky plan; Jeremy helps Matt carry out a plan to take down Enzo; Stefan is forced to break some devastating news to Caroline.

As Kai learns how to control his magic, he holds Elena captive; Caroline and Stefan go to North Carolina in search of a cure for Sheriff Forbes; Damon realizes Elena has been kidnapped.

Caroline struggles to save her mother. Damon comes up with a daring new plan. Jo and Kai prepare to merge, but Luke intervenes.