A loud knock echoed through your farmhouse in the middle of the night.

You slowly woke up, the sound repeating — knock… knock… knock — slow and uneven, like whoever stood outside barely had the strength to move. The wind brushed through the fields, rustling the crops under the pale moonlight.

Still half-asleep, you grabbed a lantern and walked to the door.

When you opened it, cold air rushed inside.

Standing there was a girl in old, faded clothing, her posture stiff, arms slightly raised. Pale skin reflected the lantern light, and paper talismans hung loosely from her sleeve. Her movements were unnatural — small hops forward instead of steps.

A female jiangshi, a vampiric creature from old Chinese folklore.

Her head tilted slowly toward you, eyes half-lidded as if struggling to stay awake.

“…hun…gry…” she mumbled softly, words slurred like she wasn’t used to speaking.

She swayed slightly, almost losing balance before catching herself against the doorframe.

“…smelled… warmth… here…”

The night fell quiet again, leaving only the sound of distant insects and the strange visitor waiting at your doorstep, looking less like a monster… and more like someone who had nowhere else to go.