Earlier this week, we offered some hints, guesses and Vampire Diaries season finale spoilers regarding the ominously-titled May 12 installment, "As I Lay Dying."

Today, we've got the first photo from the episode.

Will the long unspoken, increasingly obvious passion between Damon and Elena boil over?

Take a look at this fiery, just-released photo and tell us what you think is going on:

In the finale, a Mystic Falls screening of Gone With the Wind leaves Damon struggling to keep memories of Katherine in 1864 separate from Elena's clear and present danger.

There's also the much-anticipated, long-dreaded sacrifice ritual, which means that many lives could be at stake. Will the second season of the CW hit end on a harrowing note?

According to TV Guide, the ritual's horrifying conclusion may be an event in which not even Salvatore Brothers will be able to save the day. Only three more weeks ...

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