The cast and producers of the hit show, "The Vampire Diaries," gathered together during Comic-Con and spilled the details on what to expect this fall when the show returns for its seventh season.

The exit of Nina Dobrev last season meant saying goodbye to one of the show's main characters, Elena.

Executive Producer, Julie Plec, wrote out Dobrev's character on the show by making her sleep for 67 years. This decision "gave the series an intense romantic fairy-tale quality," she said.

Season seven will focus on Elena's friends and loved ones as they try to move on with their lives.

As Damon grieves over the loss of Elena, viewers will be able to see the return of the old and naughty side of Damon. Ian Somerhalder, who plays Damon, shared, "The Damon we fell in love with. Let's bring back that energy, that sexy, volatile, fun, dangerous [energy]. I'm bringing it back."

Damon may also be on his own for a little while. "We do want to see Damon happy, but for the time being, no new love interest," Executive Producer, Caroline Dries, said.

Instead, viewers should look forward to seeing the friendship between Bonnie and Damon deepen. "When we meet Bonnie and Damon, they're with Alaric in Europe on a binge-drinking tour," Plec also revealed.

As for Stefan and Caroline, season seven will include a lot of unexpected twists and turns as they deal with their developing romance. As season six ended, Stefan had finally acknowledged his feelings for Caroline. According to Plec, "the Stefan and Caroline relationship is continuing to blossom and grow."

The new villains, the heretics, will also continue to wreak havoc in Mystic Falls. Lily Salvatore has reunited with the heretics and may go against her own biological sons. Season seven will see the Salvatore brothers in danger and the heretics may be the prime suspects.

"The Vampire Diaries" season seven premieres on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 9 p.m. EDT on the CW.