Castiel watched as the emptiness behind Dean became something else entirely, like watercolors dripping down the physical landscape in a way that made little sense. But being able to perceive more than most, Castiel could identify it for what it was: the wards were coming down, slipping out of place and revealing what was hidden there.

Which was an entryway.

It was a clever trick, especially if it could fool him. It meant that they could keep others out, possibly even someone like Lucifer, and that was an obvious relief.

Castiel nodded to Dean and stepped inside, taking in the surprisingly large space, from the chairs made from tree bark to the long conference table. He imagined that plans of attack had been discussed here, and almost instantly he fell into the role he'd been created for: a tactician.

"This is the perfect bunker," he said, turning in a slow circle. "If another attack comes, like the hellhounds, it would be easy to place everyone here and keep them safe so that those more combat worthy could handle the threat."

He turned back toward the entrance and frowned. "The only necessary aspect it doesn't have is a good viewpoint. It would be impossible to keep track of what was happening in the mansion from here, unless you sent out scouts."