The inhabitants of the British Isles have lost their battle against the onslaught of disease, as the deadly rage virus has killed every citizen there. Six months later, a group of Americans dare to set foot on the isles, convinced the danger has come and gone. But it soon becomes all too clear that the scourge continues to live, waiting to pounce on its next victims.

The fourth season starts off with everything in transition. Elena faces her worst nightmare as she awakens from her deadly accident to find she must now endure the terrifying change of becoming a vampire — or face certain death. Stefan and Damon are torn even further apart over how to help Elena adjust to a life she never wanted, and everyone must cope with the chaos created after the vampires and their supporters were outed to the town council and local leaders. Despite everything, as Elena and her friends enter into the final stretch of high school before graduation sends them on different paths, they feel the bond to their home town of Mystic Falls take on a deeper meaning when a new mysterious villain is introduced who seems intent on destroying it.