Eyes on the prey - Sulyvahn's Beast short story

Short story I wrote, inspired by the drawing:
"As I carefully walked through the marshes, I spat a curse under my breath. I shouldn't have taken the path down the old church on a day like this. The thick fog and humid atmosphere would slow down one's pace, and that only would make me an easy target for whatever the hell decided to lurk around these muddy puddles. It had been hours since I last enjoyed the warmth and safety that the bonfire by the village's exit provided, and if I didn't find another soon, I would have to camp for the night. I dreaded the very thought of this last option, since the accursed monsters that claimed this land as theirs were, if possible, more aggressive under the moonlight. It would be a restless night of cowering in a dark corner and jumping at the slightest noise.
Speaking of which, a sudden noise dissipated my thoughts and brought me back to reality. I swallowed as I warily looked around, trying to find the source. The strange sounds were a mixture of grunts and… repetitive crunches. Chewing, perhaps? Watching my step, I pushed aside the tall grass that provided coverage as I slowly advanced towards the sound. With each step, the foliage grew scarcer and my heartbeat faster. I pressed my lips in tension, taking a step out of the bushes. The fog had slightly risen, which allowed me to catch a glimpse of the crooked shape standing in the middle of the marsh. Very slowly I approached, the pounding of my heart almost deafening now.
The beast was facing away and had its attention focused on a pile of corpses on the ground, which it was devouring loudly. Its greasy long fur twitched every time it pulled out a chunk of meat, and its tail lashed back and forth angrily. If I was careful, maybe I could sneak past it and find my way out of the marsh; hell, even finding a bonfire seemed likely after an encounter with such a formidable foe. But I was not taking this fight, I thought, not today. I was almost out of Estus flasks and the night was drawing close. I would trust my instincts and take the safe route, and perhaps tomorrow I’d face the beast on my terms.
Perhaps.
The pondering had boosted my confidence and I smirked. Keeping an eye on the creature, I took another step. Something cracked softly under my boot and I instinctively looked down at my feet, my eyes widened in shock. As my heart pounded harder than ever I noticed that it was the only thing I could hear. No more grunting, no more chewing. I slowly turned my head towards the beast, deeply dreading what I already knew I was going to see.
Three pairs of eyes glowing with an unholy yellow light were fixed on me. They belonged to a triangular head resembling that of an alligator and as big as my whole body, which had become paralyzed from the sheer terror I felt. The beast had twisted its neck almost unnaturally to face me, and was standing perfectly still. I noticed the drool that started to drip from its blood-stained maw and was silently falling on its front claws.
A drop of sweat ran down my forehead as I swallowed.
Running would not change the outcome.”