It is revealed that Esmeralda is actually the dhampir (half-vampire) daughter of Quixtla and the Hangman.

As night falls, the establishment is revealed to be a vampire haven led by the high priestess Quixtla.

The story follows Johnny Madrid, an outlaw who narrowly escapes a hanging with the help of the executioner's daughter, Esmeralda. Along with a diverse group—including a young couple, a gang of outlaws, and the real-life historical author Ambrose Bierce—they take refuge at an isolated inn called La Tetilla del Diablo (The Devil's Nipple).