After reaching Whitmore, they were informed about the current situation in Mystic Falls and how residents were being forced to abandon their homes to accommodate the Heretics.
"Can't we do anything? You can't expect us to sit idly by while people are being driven out of their homes. How did you agree to this nonsense, Damon?" Bonnie demanded.
Damon replied, "Well, I was waiting for you, Bon Bon. Now that you're back, we can figure out how to drive those Heretics out."
Stefan interjected, "No, don't antagonize them; it won't end well. You do remember what happened to those two teenagers who were filming in Mystic Falls at midnight. We don't need more incidents like that." Damon just pulled a face and mouthed to Bonnie that they would discuss it later.
Afterwards, when Stefan and Caroline were alone, Stefan asked, "So, how was the trip?"
"It was nice," Caroline replied, though it was very awkward for both of them after their previous conversation.
"Hey, I know I made things complicated that night, but I don't want to lose our friendship—or my sober sponsor. Can we go back to the way we were?"
"Of course, I don't want to lose our friendship either."
"That's comforting," Stefan said, and they both exchanged soft smiles.
"I know you're not satisfied with the deal either, Bon Bon. Since Blondie's okay with it, we need to take action. They killed two of our people, and now it's our turn to retaliate. So, are you ready?" Damon asked Bonnie when they were alone.
Bonnie thought for a moment before replying, "I know you're just bored, Damon, and that's why you're thinking about this. Isn't it? But don't worry, I'm with you on this because we have to fight for our city."
Later that night, they went to Mystic Falls, found Malcolm, and killed him.
The next day, while Stefan was driving, Beau suddenly stepped in front of his car, causing Stefan to almost hit him. "What are you doing here?" Stefan asked. Instead of answering, Beau used his powers to melt Stefan's brains, and Lily appeared behind his car.
"Excuse Beau, he doesn't like jokes. I thought we had a deal that you guys stay out of town and no one would be harmed," Lily said.
"Yeah, we still do," Stefan replied.
"Then why was Malcolm found dead on the streets this morning? You guys will pay for this," Lily warned.
Before Stefan could respond, they gave him one more headache and then fled the scene.
The next day, Caroline was tied up in the Salvatore Mansion by Enzo as he explained that Lily needed to retaliate because Malcolm was killed.
"So? why me?" she asked.
"Because you were an easy target," Enzo replied.
"Please, Enzo, just let me go. You know you can't trust these guys," she pleaded while discreetly untying her ropes.
"Oh, you can't be so sure of that, gorgeous," Enzo said, leaning toward her.
At that moment, Caroline strangled him and made a run for it, but she was unfortunately caught by Nora and Mary, who broke her neck.
"I had it under control," Enzo said from behind.
"Yeah, we saw how in control you were," Nora retorted.
Then, they both took Caroline and carried her into their room.
"Did you kill Malcolm?" Stefan asked Damon.
"Yeah, it was just for fun," Damon replied nonchalantly.
"Do you know that Lily has kidnapped Caroline and is now torturing her?" Stefan continued, his voice tense.
"Still having feelings for Blondie after she broke your heart?" Damon teased.
"I don't know anything, Damon. You created this mess, now go and clean it up," Stefan demanded.
"Okay, okay, I'll go fetch your blonde," Damon conceded.
At the Salvatore Mansion, Damon confronted Lily, admitting he killed Malcolm and offering himself as a hostage to leave Stefan and Caroline out of it.
"I don't believe a single word you're saying, and don't try to cross the threshold. I've already signed the deed to a human, and obviously, you're not invited. Now go, I have a son to bury," Lily replied coldly.
Later, while everyone was busy with the burial rituals, Bonnie helped rescue Caroline, who was found hanging in Nora's room with holes in her dress, evidence of the torture she endured.
"I am so sorry, Care. If I had known they would target you for killing Malcolm, I wouldn't have helped Damon," Bonnie said as she and Caroline sat in their room in Whitmore.
"It's okay, Bonnie. I'm kind of used to it now. Besides, we need to kick those parasites out of our town," Caroline replied.
"Take care, Care. I'm going to check on Ric. He brought me a stone and wants me to find information on it. I'll check on you later. By the way, someone was calling you, so don't forget to check your phone," Bonnie added with a teasing smile, knowing it was Klaus.
Caroline picked up her phone and dialed Klaus. He answered on the first ring.
" Hello, love. It seems you've forgotten me after returning to your town, " Klaus said.
" It's not like that, Klaus. You should know I've been busy with the situation. Some Heretics have decided to occupy Mystic Falls ," Caroline replied, deciding not to mention her kidnapping to avoid worrying him.
" Do you need any help? " Klaus offered.
" No, no, we can manage. Don't forget, we handled the Originals. These are just a few Heretics ," Caroline said with a teasing smile.
" Even so, if you need me, I'm just a call away. Okay, love, gotta go. Elijah is calling me. Love you. Waiting for you ."
" Love you too, Klaus. Miss you ," Caroline replied.
With that, they ended their conversation.