When author Diana Gabaldon wouldn't confirm that Claire survives the ninth Outlander book this summer, her cryptic response whipped the fandom into a bit of a frenzy. So when I had the chance to speak with Gabaldon in November, I was compelled to bring up the Outlander End of Summer Series incident and ask the unthinkable: Would she really kill Claire before the tenth and final book?

Claire has had her fair share of scrapes with death over the eight Outlander novels and the five seasons of the show; as recently as the Season 5 finale, Claire was captured and sexually assaulted before being rescued by Jamie and other members of Fraser's Ridge. But even with her near-fatal experiences, it's safe to say that fans want Claire to remain, well, safe.

That's why Gabaldon caused such a stir when she wouldn't confirm to Outlander executive producer Maril Davis during the Outlander End of Summer Series that Claire survives the forthcoming ninth book, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone.

When discussing what will happen in Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, Gabaldon said, "I can't say there's no tragedy in it." A taken-aback Davis asked, "Oh god, is it someone we love?" To which Gabaldon replied, "Let's put it this way, it's not Jamie."

Gabaldon explained that a few months earlier, she was asked to tease her next book in five words or less. At the time, she replied, "He's still alive" — referencing none other than James Fraser.