Carmilla

Carmilla is not her real name, of course. It was given to her by her creator.

He thought it was funny.

After her transformation, she spent several months slinking through the back alleys of her hometown, preying on the homeless and helpless, hating herself for doing so, but unable to find another way to survive.

Then one night, the circus came to town.

She saw a way to protect herself and others of her kind, a shelter always on the move ... and the prey would come to them, even pay them for the privilege.

Because she was in a fight for her mortal life before being gifted with eternal (if damned) life, her dark beauty was marred by the loss of her hair. So every night, before the show, certain members of the troupe come to her wagon and paint colorful designs on her bare scalp. To be chosen to do so is a great honor, for Carmilla does not care to be touched--except for one man, with whom she shares all her secrets.