Stefan shakes her again, rougher this time, but again, River doesn't stir. And he hesitates, for he isn't one to normally do such a thing. Even during the days when he'd had the switch flipped, when he ran rampant and lived his life based on the instincts and wants of what he was instead of his emotions guiding him, he didn't do this often. It had taken a while to learn, for contrary to popular belief, having the ability to do something did not mean one could do it well, and if not for the fact that he was back on the human blood diet, he would not be attempting this at all.

He releases his hold on her once he's removed her necklace, moving away to sit against the opposite wall; he doesn't need to be close, after all. Concentrating, Stefan focuses in on River. It's like compulsion, only instead of forcing your way through the walls of a person's consciousness, you simply find a backdoor and slip inside, unnoticed.

Door found, Stefan enters her subconsciousness. He intends to step in and pull her back into the world of the awake, but what he finds once he steps inside is not what he expected.