Cost of Brilliance (SOS)

Sorcery

Target player draws two cards and loses 2 life. Put a +1/+1 counter on up to one target creature.

Niche utility spell for black midrange and sacrifice decks, but the split effect dilutes its impact and competing cards handle card draw or creature buffs more efficiently in their respective roles. The life drain is marginal upside that rarely justifies the slot over focused alternatives like Read the Bones or Hardened Scales strategies.

Secrets of Strixhaven — Common