Why Scarlet Witch Joined Hydra Revealed

06/14/2017 05:13 pm EDT

The mystery of Scarlet Witch's sudden unexpected Hydra defection has been resolved.

At the beginning of Marvel's Secret Empire event, it was revealed that Captain America had assembled a new team of Avengers loyal to Hydra. Included on the Avengers squad was the Scarlet Witch, a longtime Avenger who was initially fighting against Captain America and Hydra but mysteriously switched sides in the middle of the battle.

As many suspected, Scarlet Witch didn't betray her teammates. Rather, she was forced to work for Hydra. Somehow, Captain America's Hydra – likely through the occult abilities of Madame Hydra – was able to summon Chthon to possess the Scarlet Witch.

The reveal came about as part of today's Secret Empire #4 by Nick Spencer and Leinil Francis Yu. While trapped in the clutches of Ultron, the Avengers demanded to know what was wrong with Scarlet Witch. Her response to the worries of Scarlet Witch's brother, Quicksilver, was only to say, "You're sister is gone boy – only Chthon remains."

Chthon is a powerful Marvel Universe demon who created the Darkhold, the Book of Sins, a tome of immense dark magic power. The Darkhold has also fallen into the hands of Hydra as Baron Zemo was seen using the book at the beginning of Secret Empire to enhance Blackout's power, allowing the villain to envelop all of New York City in a dome of Darkforce energy.

Captain America later reveals that Iron Man's Avengers squad has a traitor in its midst. Given Quicksilver's pronouncement that he is only fighting this war for the sake of his sister, fans have to wonder if her safety is being used as leverage to force him into the role of double agent for Hydra.

This just the fourth of ten issues for Secret Empire, meaning the series hasn't even reached the midpoint yet. There are likely still plenty of major reveals yet to come.

The Darkhold was prominently featured in the most recent season of Marvel's Agents of SHIELD, where it was linked to the story of Ghost Rider Robbie Reyes.

Secret Empire #4
APR170922
(W) Nick Spender (A) Leinil Francis Yu, Rod Reis (CA) Mark Brooks

There is a power that can either save the world or doom it! Both Steve Rogers and the heroes arrayed against him need this power! But unfortunately for all of them, the key to possessing this power lies in the hands of the unstoppable Ultron! LIVE IN X-CITING TIMES! SECRET EMPIRE!
Rated T+

In Shops: Jun 14, 2017
SRP: $3.99

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