Nothing is more painful than goodbye.

On next Thursday's conclusion of what has become an epic season of The Vampire Diaries, a desperate Stefan goes to extreme lengths to prevent Damon's death.

Will he be successful? Will he pay a terrible personal price? Will Damon's own desperate bid to make amends with Elena result in a stunning romantic twist?

No hope. No prayer. No cure.

Meanwhile, Caroline's mothrt goes rogue, Katherine stirs up emotions and the consequences of the sacrifice ritual play out to a horrifying, season-ending conclusion.

Read our Vampire Diaries review from last night, then watch the season finale promo and an extended, foreboding trailer for "As I Lay Dying" below ...

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.