She's not alone

The cave expanded into a series of tunnels. The walls were marked with similar markings to those she saw on the leg of the hawk. Wherever she was, she was on the right track to finding the source of this demonic energy. She pressed forward.

Or, at least, she was going to press forward, until she heard the sound of groaning coming from deeper in the tunnels. The sound grew louder. It was approaching. Marielle drew her sword.

It shambled into view, a large viscous mass, about seven feet tall. A lower demon, likely in service of the stronger **** in these caves. These were part and parcel of a paladin's training, or, at least she thought it was until it spoke to her

"KNEEL AND SERVE, AND YOUR LIFE WILL BE SPARED"

Usually, these demons lacked the capacity for speech. Whatever master it served, it was giving him a level of power that was new to her. Regardless, she had no intention of serving it or its master. She swung her sword, clattering her blade against the creatures head. It stumbled at the ****, but stayed on its feet. It swung wildly, roaring in pain, but its rage came at the cost of accuracy as its blow sailed wide of the paladin. Marielle took advantage and plunged her blade deep in its chest, uttering a blessing into her blade as she did so. The creature screamed as it was banished back to hell.

Whatever Marielle was up against, it had the power to subjugate creatures, and give demons abilities they didn't normally have. She'd have to be careful. She continued on.