"The Confession of Scarlet Witch"

Chapter 9: The Phantom Menace

POV: Wanda Maximoff

The days after the ritual were a blur. The oppressive weight of the Scarlet Queen's influence was gone, but the aftermath of the battle left me feeling hollow and drained. I had been through so much, and while the immediate threat was gone, I couldn't shake the feeling that something darker was brewing.

Doctor Strange and Wong continued their research, seeking ways to ensure the Scarlet Queen couldn't return. Their dedication was unwavering, but I could sense their concern. The energy from the ritual had been immense, and its effects were still rippling through the mystical realms.

One evening, as I wandered through the Sanctum's library, lost in thought, I was startled by a sudden, icy draft. The air seemed to shimmer, and a chilling presence filled the room. I turned slowly, my heart pounding.

From the shadows, a figure emerged—a tall, cloaked being with eyes that glowed like molten gold. It was a spectral form, an echo of the chaos that had once plagued Alterworld.

"Wanda Maximoff," the figure intoned, its voice a haunting whisper that seemed to reverberate through the room. "You thought you had rid yourself of me, but the essence of the Scarlet Queen lingers still."

I tensed, my hands instinctively reaching for my magic. "Who are you? What do you want?"

The figure's form shifted, becoming more defined. "I am a remnant of the Scarlet Queen's power, a wraith of her chaos. Her influence may have been diminished, but it is not gone. I am here to ensure that her legacy lives on."

I took a step back, my mind racing. The Queen's presence was supposed to be gone, her power severed. How could this wraith still exist?

"You cannot escape her shadow, Wanda," the wraith continued. "The darkness she left behind will find a way to consume you. And when it does, you will be mine."

With a sudden burst of dark energy, the wraith lunged at me. I threw up a shield of crimson magic, the force of the impact sending me stumbling backward. The wraith's power was cold and relentless, a chilling reminder of the Scarlet Queen's might.

I fought back with everything I had, my magic crackling and flaring as I tried to drive the wraith away. But it seemed almost impervious to my attacks, its form shifting and reforming with each blow.

In the midst of the battle, Doctor Strange and Wong burst into the room, their expressions a mix of alarm and determination.

"Wanda, get back!" Doctor Strange shouted, his hands weaving complex patterns in the air.

Wong began chanting an incantation, his voice rising above the roar of magic. "We need to banish it! It's a remnant of the Queen's power!"

Together, we fought against the wraith, our combined magic pushing back against the spectral form. It writhed and twisted, its presence distorting the air around it.

With a final, desperate surge of power, Doctor Strange completed the spell, and the wraith let out a piercing scream. The energy around it erupted in a blinding flash, and then it was gone, leaving only a lingering chill in the air.

The room fell silent, the oppressive weight of the wraith's presence lifting. I sank to the floor, breathing heavily. The battle had taken a toll on me, but at least for now, the immediate danger was gone.

Doctor Strange and Wong rushed to my side, their concern evident. "Are you okay?" Doctor Strange asked, his voice filled with worry.

I nodded, though I felt drained. "I'm fine. But what was that thing?"

Wong's face was grim. "It was a wraith—an echo of the Scarlet Queen's power. It seems that her influence has left behind more than just a physical scar."

Doctor Strange's expression was thoughtful. "We need to be vigilant. The Queen's power may have been diminished, but her remnants are still a threat."

I nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. The battle was far from over, and we had to be prepared for whatever came next.

POV: Doctor Strange

The appearance of the wraith was troubling, a reminder that the Scarlet Queen's influence was far from eradicated. We had thought the ritual had severed her connection to Wanda, but the wraith's existence was proof that some part of her chaos still lingered.

As we discussed our next steps, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this than met the eye. The Queen's power was insidious, and it was clear that we needed a deeper understanding of her magic to fully protect Wanda and ourselves.

"We need to find out more about the Scarlet Queen's origins," I said, pacing the room. "Her power is deeply rooted in ancient and dark magic. We need to understand it better to effectively combat any remnants."

Wong nodded in agreement. "I'll look into ancient texts and artifacts that might shed light on her origins. There's bound to be something in the mystical archives that can help us."

I turned to Wanda, who was resting and recovering. "In the meantime, you need to stay alert. The Queen's remnants could manifest in different forms. We have to be ready for anything."

Wanda nodded, her eyes resolute. "I'll do whatever it takes. I can't let her win."

POV: The Scarlet Queen

The remnants are weak, but they are not without purpose.

I watched from the shadows, my form shrouded in the dark energies of Alterworld. The wraith had served its purpose, but its failure was an indication of the true nature of my power. I had underestimated Wanda's resolve, but that would be corrected.

They think they are safe, that they have won. But they do not realize the true depth of my reach.

The remnants of my power were gathering, forming new vessels through which I could manifest. The chaos was a tool, and I would use it to rebuild my strength.

Soon, Wanda will learn that the shadows of the past are not easily vanquished.

I reached out through the fabric of reality, weaving new threads of chaos. The storm was gathering, and the next phase of my plan was in motion. The darkness would return, stronger and more insidious.

Prepare yourself, Wanda Maximoff. The true test is yet to come.