Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) can't escape Kai Parker (Chris Wood) in the winter premiere of Vampire Diaries, judging by a new photo released by the CW.

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In the picture, Elena is held captive by Kai, who also learns how to deal with his new magic. During the episode, titled "Woke Up with a Monster," Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder) has to alter his plans after he hears that his ex-love is in Kai's hands.

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The show's executive producer Julie Plec recently spoke with TVLine.com and explained that Kai's involvement in the show is often discussed at Vampire Diaries meetings.

"You have to take stock: Is there more that I can do with this character outside of his run as this year's villain?" she said. "If so, you have to come up with the right way to do it, and if not, you have to let the heroes get the win over the villain. Every day, we talk about Kai, and we debate it. It's an ongoing conversation."

While Kai may be staying at Mystic Falls a bit longer, Elena's brother Jeremy won't. The character is leaving the show after episode 14 and heading off to art school.

"I wouldn't dare kill Jeremy. I think that would be all forms of cruelty," Plec told E! News. "But I do think that he's a man now, he's not a little kid anymore and he's got to live his life. It's time for him to get started doing that."

The winter premiere of the Vampire Diaries airs on Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. EST on The CW.

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Vampire diaries