You put transformation magic around a willing creature that is extremely deceptive, to make the creature appear as if they are dead.
You pull most of the life of the creature away, the remaining essence is only enough to keep the creature barely alive.
An opposing medicine roll vs. the caster's bending skill can reveal the deception, or a detect magic spell.
You may use your reaction to break the spell's power.
A mystical veil shrouds the target, simulating the appearance of lifelessness. Deceiving all but the keenest observers, this illusory demise provides a strategic escape or a ruse to confound adversaries.