Vampire yuri before carmilla

Poganka is a novel by Narcyza Żmichowska published in 1846. It tells the story of Beniamin's love for the beautiful Aspasia, the titular pagan.
In Poganka (The Heathen), written by Narcyza Żmichowska in 1846, there is a subtle yet intriguing vampiric undertone, even though the novel does not belong to the horror or gothic genre in a traditional sense. The story revolves around the intense and ambiguous relationship between the narrator, and a mysterious woman.
aspasia can be seen as a symbolic vampire figure—not in the literal, blood-drinking sense, but rather in a psychological and emotional way
the romantic relationship portrayed between the characters on book can indeed be seen as a reflection or symbolic reference to the author's own life experiences. Żmichowska was known for her unconventional views and personal life, particularly her close and romantic relationship with Paulina Zbyszewska. The emotional intensity and complexity of the romance in Poganka mirror the depth of feelings Żmichowska have experienced in real life
narrator – possibly a stand for Żmichowska herself and aspasia  – inspired by Paulina Zbyszewska

The novel stands out particularly because of the author’s background. Narcyza Żmichowska’s Poganka remains a powerful and thought-provoking text that challenges traditional views on emotions.