"Carmilla" by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu is a gothic novella that predates Bram Stoker's "Dracula" and is considered one of the earliest works of vampire fiction. The story centers on Laura, a young woman living in a remote castle in Styria, who befriends a mysterious and beautiful girl named Carmilla. As their friendship develops, Laura experiences disturbing dreams and begins to weaken, hinting at Carmilla's true vampiric nature. The novella explores themes of seduction, sexuality, and the supernatural, with a particular focus on the intimate and often homoerotic relationship between the two women. "Carmilla" is noted for its atmospheric tension and has significantly influenced the vampire genre.
