The dark figure stepped forward, revealing a hooded assassin.
"You're a Shadow Weaver," Ryker growled, hand on his dagger.
The assassin's voice dripped with malice. "And you're a foolish smuggler."
Lyra stood firm, her dagger at the ready. "We won't back down."
The assassin sneered. "You'll never leave this place alive."
_A DEADLY DUEL_
The battle raged on, with Lyra, Kael, and Ryker fighting for their lives.
Lyra clashed with the assassin, their blades dancing in the dim light.
Just as Lyra gained the upper hand, the assassin vanished into shadows.
"What kind of sorcery is this?" Lyra demanded.
Ryker's expression turned grim. "Shadow Weavers can manipulate darkness."
Kael scanned their surroundings. "We need to get out of here, now."
As they retreated, Lyra realized the assassin had stolen the keystone.
_No CHOICE BUT TO PURSUE_
"We can't let them have the keystone," Lyra declared.
Ryker nodded. "We'll track the assassin. Retrieve the keystone."
Their perilous pursuit led them deeper into the Western Wastes.