A terrible price paid. Unfortunate consequences for Matt. And an unexpected tragedy.

With just a few weeks to go until The Vampire Diaries Season 4 kicks off, The CW has released its official synopsis for "Growing Pains," teasing the aforementioned events and plenty more.

What can you expect to go down on October 11? Well...

Elena awakens on the morning after the accident to find the thing she dreaded most has come true – she died with vampire blood in her system and now must go through the terrible transition to become a vampire…or face certain death.

Stefan promises Elena that he and Bonnie will exhaust every possible way out of the situation, but Damon is furious with his brother for letting Elena die in the first place. Bonnie pays a terrible price for her attempt to change Elena’s fate, while Damon takes out his frustration and rage on Matt.

In a rare moment of empathy, Rebekah is deeply touched by Stefan and Elena’s devotion to one another. Finally, Pastor Young (guest star Michael Reilly Burke) and the Town Council members begin rounding up the vampires and their supporters, leading to an unexpected tragedy.

Elsewhere, have you caught the first two season premiere clips? In one, Elena wakes up and learns her fate; in the other Stefan and Damon argue over how to handle it.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.