 Subspecies ( 1991 ) follows three college students , Mara , Michelle , and Lillian , as they begin a study on Romanian culture and superstition in the small town Prejmer . They are befriended by Stefan , a student studying nocturnal animals . It is revealed that the nearby Castle Vladislas has been caught in a power struggle between vampire brothers Stefan and Radu . Centuries prior , King Vladislas was seduced and cursed by a sorceress who eventually gave birth to Radu . After banishing Radu 's mother , the king met a mortal woman . She gave birth to Stefan , who prefers to live in the open , and loathes his vampire heritage . To gain control over the Bloodstone , a relic that is said to drip the blood of the saints , Radu kills his father . In an effort to hurt his brother , Radu turns Mara and Lillian into vampires . Stefan , having fallen in love with Michelle , helps her try and free Mara and Lillian from Radu 's control . Stefan drives a stake through Radu 's heart and severs his head with a sword , killing Radu . Unfortunately for Stefan , Radu bites Michelle before his brother can kill him , which forces Stefan to turn Michelle with his own blood in order to keep her from becoming like Radu . As Stefan and Michelle sleep , Radu 's minions set about resurrecting their master . 
