Many fans wept as Elena Gilbert temporarily departed from the supernatural series in the form of sleeping beauty. Social media was rife about her departure and many viewers started wondering how "The Vampire Diaries" could continue minus the self-sacrificing protagonist that many have come to love.

Season six's finale gave fans a brief glimpse into a time-jump that occurs in Mystic Falls. It is unclear how many years have lapsed since the Salvatore brothers put Nina Dobrev's character in a coffin, but all will be answered in season seven. Executive producer, Caroline Dries spoke extensively about the season finale and the upcoming season to TVLine. She made it clear that Damon, as predicted, would become his impulsive, dark self, similar to his persona in season one and two. That being said, he won't be alone on his journey down the dark road. His best friend, Alaric, who has also lost so much in season six, will be joining him. In fact, the two best friends are going to be stronger than ever. "He's going to rest on Damon's shoulder, and we're going to find them growing up together in the premiere", Dries mused.

Another essential component of season seven's storyline will be Mama Salvatore and her family, or as many would like to say, her band of heretic vampires. They will be the main villains of season seven, with her sons on one side and her so-called family on the other. Another TVLine article reports that Enzo must choose sides as he is caught between the war. Enzo has to pick between Lily, the only real family he's ever had, and Damon, who is his friend.

But fans are most excited about a potential romance between Damon and Bonnie, now that Elena is out of the picture. However, the first few episodes may be more about rebuilding their friendship than romance. Dries explains, "She'll start up a fun friendship with Damon, a continuation of what they have now, but she'll kind of become his moral center as he's trying to figure out who he is without Elena to impress."

What will "The Vampire Diaries" be without Elena? Find out later this year.