The Vampire Diaries season 7 episode 17 live online: What happens to Stefan in I Went To The Woods?

The previous episode of The Vampire Diaries saw Rayna (Leslie-Anne Huff) stab Stefan (Paul Wesley) with her sword before Damon could transfer the mark from his brother to himself. The upcoming episode, titled I Went To The Woods, will see Stefan struggle after Damon fails to free his brother who has been trapped in the Phoenix stone.

The Phoenix stone, however, has been destroyed by the magic of Mary Lou and Nora, who have died after being struck by Rayna's sword. The two also managed to destroy Rayna's sword.

Warning: Potential spoilers ahead

The official synopsis of the episode reads, "With time working against him, he [Stefan] sets off on a journey of survival while forced to confront a lifetime of irreversible damage Damon [Ian Somerhalder] has done to their relationship."

Stefan, who will be caught up in a life and death situation, will be relying on his basic instincts. The episode has been directed by showrunner Julie Plec.

Episode 17's promo video teases how the events of the previous episode have made an impact on Stefan. The trailer shows Stefan's body may have been taken over by another entity.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" Stefan asks Damon. "That is not Stefan. We don't know who that is," we hear Damon say over the phone. "I don't want to spend my life babysitting a cheap knock-off of my brother," Damon says while Stefan is shown sucking blood out of a human in a bar.

Will Damon be able to bring Stefan back? The synopsis suggests otherwise. Damon's desperate bid to bring his brother back could steer him towards following an unexpected lead.

The Vampire Diaries episode 17 airs on 8 April at 8.30 pm (EDT). Fans can watch the episode live online on CW by clicking here.