The Harlequin's Apprentice

Carrion Garrenhardte’s story begins beneath the dayglow crystals of Myrridia, where magic determines more than talent. It decides where a dark elf may live, what they may become, and whether the powerful consider them worth noticing. Carrion was born in the poor quarter with more magic than anyone expected—and almost no ability to use it the way he is told. Then Alliseth chooses him. Alliseth teaches Carrion something more useful than victory. She teaches him how to survive stronger opponents: make fear useful, turn apparent weakness into bait, and wait for the mistake even an unbeatable enemy will eventually make. Carrion would prefer a quiet life near his family. Instead, his unusual magic draws the attention of academies, noble houses, and people who find it easier to call him a weapon than a child.