Duma nodded slightly at Castiel's question. Yes, he was able to hear. This one was so young. He didn't even seem to know about the vow. Or maybe he knew a different version where silence included not hearing as well. That thought was almost terrifying to Duma. To be encased in total silence would have been maddening.
//As do you//, he signed carefully. The same but not, tainted but not. It was complicated. Was Castiel from a different time or a different world? Duma was very aware of the different worlds. Knowing Morpheus, being friends with the king of Dreams, how could you not be? Preya was new though - or newish. Still, he could explain without words. Quietly, calmly, he pulled the key to the gates of Hell from underneath his shirt. He held it firmly in his hand, the teeth between his fingers. Although his head was tilted down, his eyes were on Castiel's, searching his face for... Anything. Mostly horror, anger.