Talks about season 8 being the last leg for "The Vampire Diaries" are getting louder and so is the speculated return of Elena Gilbert on the show.

Actress Nina Dobrev's exit from the show after season 6 was one of the hardest goodbyes fans of "The Vampire Diaries" had to bear. However, her character, Elena, is not dead but in deep hibernation as a spell was cast to link her life to Bonnie's. Bonnie is a witch, while Elena is a vampire, so the latter made the sacrifice by allowing her friend to live her life and wait until it is her time to be resurrected.

Showrunner Julie Plec did say that when the show ends, Elena will be back in whatever way. Actress Kat Graham has already made known that season 8 will be her last even if the show goes beyond that. Elena was still very much a part of the previously concluded season 7 as flashbacks of her have been shown several times. In the finale, her voice was even featured and it is her voice that lured Damon toward the vault.

The cliffhanger shows that Damon and Enzo were possessed by unknown evil and they had gone on a killing spree. Whatever possessed them rips the heart of its victim and hangs the body upside down. It is believed that season 8 will revolve around their family's and friends' journey to find a way to bring them back.

Damon and Elena's love story is a big part of the show and it is speculated that Elena will be the only person who can bring Damon back. As for Enzo, his relationship with Bonnie has also proven itself to be powerful in season 7.

Another couple fans are looking forward to is Steroline, who, at the end of season 7 reconciled with the blessing of Alaric who shares two children with Caroline. Will love conquer all?

Find out when "The Vampire Diaries" season 8 returns in fall on The CW network.