Before Dracula, there was Carmilla-the original vampire classic that inspired generations of Gothic horror. In a secluded castle deep in the Styrian mountains, young Laura's quiet life is shattered when a mysterious carriage accident brings the enchanting Carmilla to her door. Beautiful, secretive, and irresistibly magnetic, Carmilla awakens in Laura emotions she cannot explain-and a terror she cannot escape. As illness spreads and strange shadows stir in the night, Laura begins to uncover a chilling truth: her beloved guest is not what she seems. Written twenty-five years before Dracula, Carmilla introduced literature's first female vampire and one of the earliest portrayals of forbidden love. Seductive, eerie, and unforgettable, this Gothic masterpiece explores desire, danger, and the haunting power of the supernatural. Perfect for readers who love:Gothic horror classics Dark romance and supernatural suspense Dracula, Frankenstein, and Rebecca Newly added in this illustrated Yellow Leaf Press edition:10 classic gothic paintings, from Bierstadt to Van Gogh An afterword explaining Carmilla's historical context & significance Enter the darkly romantic world of Carmilla-where love and death intertwine.