Hope wakes up in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been decimated by a virus. She travels with her father, Niklaus, and uncles, Elijah and Kol, to avoid being hunted by vampires. As a Tribrid (witch, vampire, and werewolf), Hope is immune to the virus, but she’s reluctant to offer her blood to help her weakened family, knowing it would create a sexual bond. After losing her aunts and mother, Hope struggles with grief in a world where everyone she loves is gone.

On her 18th birthday, in a rundown motel, her family tries to celebrate. Her father gives her a necklace from Aunt Bekah, Elijah gives her a letter from her mother, and Kol gifts her Davina’s grimoire. Hope, feeling numb, tries to stay strong for them. Later, she sneaks away to read her mother’s letter in private.

“Happy Birthday, sweetheart! I wish I was there, but life is unpredictable. I hope if my time is cut short, I’ll fight to protect you.”

Hope wipes away tears as she realizes her mother has been writing her letters since the pandemic began. She struggles with the intimacy she craves, understanding her father and uncles’ past relationships, and decides to regain her powers using the grimoire.

Later, five vampires step out of a truck, and Kol taunts them. “Do you know who we are? Give us the girl!” Kol quickly drains one vampire, and Elijah and Dad handle the others with swift decapitations. Kol urges them to feed, but they hesitate. Hope slices her hand open, offering her blood. “Feed on them or my blood.”

Before anyone can react, Kol lunges, and Dad grabs him, trying to restrain him. Elijah gives Hope his wrist to stop the bleeding and pulls her back to the car.

“Stay put,” Elijah warns, but Hope runs to stop the fight between klaus and kol. “Stop! You’re hurting him!”