diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 10f964f..c5dadde 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ Every PR must:
 
 ### Running Validation
 
-There is no build step. Review your markdown renders correctly and all internal `@`-references resolve to existing files.
+There is no build step. Review your markdown renders correctly and all internal links resolve to existing files.
 
 ### License
 
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 72fa2cb..529aa9f 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ ln -s ../../.agents/skills/onboard-chart .cursor/skills/onboard-chart
 ln -s ../../.agents/skills/onboard-chart .claude/skills/onboard-chart
 ```
 
-Invoke the workflow: `@onboard-chart/SKILL.md`. Come back next week, invoke the same file, and it picks up where you left off.
+Invoke the workflow: `@onboard-chart/SKILL.md`. This is a prompt mention that attaches the router to the conversation -- distinct from how a router references its phase files, which is by backticked relative path. Come back next week, invoke the same file, and it picks up where you left off.
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/SKILL.md b/SKILL.md
index 738de93..91881b0 100644
--- a/SKILL.md
+++ b/SKILL.md
@@ -137,6 +137,7 @@ The router:
 - Collects ONE key identifier (service name, account alias, hostname, etc.)
 - Detects progress by inspecting the repo (which files exist = which phases done)
 - Routes to the correct phase
+- Names the phase file by relative path and instructs the agent to read it. The read is the load; a bare path is not a directive to load anything.
 - **Never generates files itself**
 
 The router MUST include:
@@ -145,7 +146,7 @@ The router MUST include:
 3. **Progress Detection table** -- maps file existence to phase completion
 4. **Determine Phase table** -- maps detected state to recommended action
 5. **Route to Phase** -- presents options to the user
-6. **Phase Files table** -- lists all phases with `@` references
+6. **Phase Files table** -- lists all phases as backticked relative paths, one level deep from the router
 
 ### Phase Module Rules