Liam adjusted the camera before going to the other side. "Alright, we're all set."
"I made sure this room doesn't look identifiable, keeping it as bare as possible. Even if they do trace the location somehow, we'll be long gone by that time."
Before you ask, the villain already has everything prepared. Even the country's entire police force couldn't find him until the last climax scene, when the hero bursts in at just the critical moment. Of course, all the villain's precautions become useless at that very instant.
"Now, smile for the camera, please," he said, as if he were an actual photographer. "You look so ashen, Will! Smile and look a little cheery, alright? It's the new beginning of your life!"
Willow retorted sarcastically, "Oh, I'm being imprisoned and held against my will for God knows how long. Please do forgive me for not being my best self right now."
Still, he knew that delaying wouldn't do any good. He adjusted himself a little and wiped his face with a pair of wipes Liam had left beside him at some point, trying to look as presentable as possible, if only to keep others from worrying. They... worried enough for him. He should at least let them move on in peace, disappear from their lives. It irked him to obey Liam, but sometimes, you do what you have to.
Willow straightened his back. He was unsure of how to sit, strangely nervous.
"...This is the third time you've changed your position, Will. Please do hurry up."
Willow gulped nervously, finally settling with his hands on his knees, legs dangling from the edge of the bed. "I'm... I'm ready."
Liam was pleasantly surprised by his cooperation. To be honest, he thought he'd have to threaten him again. He smiled, finding Willow's sudden obedience strangely endearing.
"Okay- um, hello," he said awkwardly, giving a small wave to the canera. "I... I'm sorry."
Willow fell silent, his mind blank. It was as though he'd forgotten how to speak, his throat constricting. He could feel Liam's expectant gaze pressuring him to continue. Something told him that if he didn't, he would regret it deeply.
Willow took a shuddering breath and continued, "I... I'm safe. Nobody kidnapped me. I left of my own free will. Please... please don't search for me anymore. Please." A certain pleading tone slipped into his voice, distress visible on his face.
Liam stopped the recording, then walked up to him. "Will, do you really expect anyone to believe you ran away when you have such a sad look on your face, your eyes begging for someone to come save you?"
Still, he didn't seem interested in recording again. He set the camera aside on a table and continued in a superior tone, "Not like it really matters anyway. They wouldn't be able to find you regardless. Eventually, they'll have no choice but to give up, right?"
Liam grinned, his smile sending a pang of anxiety through Willow. He looked excited, as if about to do something thrilling.
"What are you doing-" Willow's words were cut off as Liam pressed a syringe to his arm, injecting its contents into his bloodstream.
"Sleep for a while, Will. I promise everything will be alright by the time you wake up."