The Black Kiss

The Black Kiss is a horror short story by Robert Bloch, first published in 1937. Set along the California coast, it follows artist Graham Dean, who inherits a house linked to the sinister legend of Morella Godolfo, a figure rumored to consort with sea-dwellers. As Graham's dreams become increasingly vivid and tied to this legend, he learns from Doctor Yamada about the supernatural ability of these beings to possess humans through a kiss. The story culminates in a tragic confrontation between Graham and Morella, leading to a self-sacrificial act to break the possession.