Prophetic dreams about the mysterious fourth coffin lead Bonnie and Elena to a surprising source, while Tyler seeks help to break free from Klaus' bond so he can be with Caroline. Alaric's new friend Dr. Fell has a secret no one sees coming, and Stefan's interference in Elena's life reveals something that surprises even him.

Now Klaus has Elijah back, they host a dinner party to negotiate a future with the Salvatore brothers, who actually procrastinate. Meanwhile combined witchcraft finally opens the mystery coffin, from which a scary surprise guest is released, but both families will be shocked. Alaric has been wounded dangerously by lover Dr. Fell, who happens to be supernatural, which makes saving him problematic, but Elena steps up. Caroline's father Bill Forbes refuses to survive his vampire bite by allowing Caroline to turn him into one like her.

After starting her day with a startling discovery of Damons' latest indiscretion, Elena is frustrated to find that none of her friends agree with her on how they should react to the Original family's internal power struggle. Once again caught up in the destiny of the Bennett witches, Bonnie and Abby find themselves playing a part in a ritual to appease the spirits of nature. When Elijah gives Damon and Stefan a dangerous ultimatum that puts Elena in danger, they turn to Alaric and Meredith for help with a plan that leads them to a terrible choice.

Stefan still struggles desperately to get his blood-lust back under control. Damon keeps an eye on him, but has other priorities. Damon's former teacher Sage returns as his lover, in a secret pact against Rebekah, whom he seduces to keep an eye on her quest for the original white oak's sole known shoot. The old vampires are actually in league and torch the bridge made from its wood, fearing the weapon that could be made from it, but Damon stayed a step ahead. Dr. Fell tries to treat Alaric medically while Bonnie attempts to undo the curse which caused his hereditary madness, but they aren't careful enough, so Damon must intervene. Jeremy calls home from Denver, reporting that he only suffers from melancholy, but is doing well at school.

Klaus acts on his intentions to leave town with Elena, but finds resistance from a surprising new enemy. Damon and Stefan have a surprisingly candid conversation about the future.

When the 1980s Decade Dance at the high school is cancelled by Mayor Hopkins (RICK WORTHY), Stefan finds a charming way to make it up to a disappointed Rebekah (CLAIRE HOLT).

Damon makes a deal with Cade to retrieve the Maxwell journal in exchange for Stefan's soul.