The demon scam

You hug Merle carefully, not being able to leave her the way she is now.

She continues to sob, and you're sure the creature must have heard her...

And, just as you thought, you then hear silent footsteps heading your way. With wildly beating heart, you put your hand over Merle's mouth to get her to shut up, but it's too late. Now you can hear it sniffing the air as it approaches, so it probably can pick up your scent as well...