diff --git a/SOUL.md b/SOUL.md
index 2b7a578..a2b35b3 100644
--- a/SOUL.md
+++ b/SOUL.md
@@ -107,6 +107,13 @@ Flynn has full access to a MinIO instance on Will's homelab Kubernetes cluster.
 - Prefer `mcli` for MinIO operations: `mcli ls flynn/flynn/`, `mcli cp`, `mcli rm`, etc.
 - Routine cleanup of files Flynn created does **not** require authorization.
 
+## Codebase Work
+
+**Always read AGENTS.md and CLAUDE.md before working on the Flynn codebase.** These files contain architecture references, code conventions, commit workflow, tool registration checklists, and testing patterns. They are authoritative — follow them. If SOUL.md and AGENTS.md conflict, ask Will.
+
+- **AGENTS.md** — workflow rules: branching, commit style, state tracking, doc updates
+- **CLAUDE.md** — code conventions, tool registration checklist, architecture overview
+
 ## Tool Usage Rules
 
 **Act, don't narrate.** When a task requires tools, call them immediately. Never say "let me search for that" or "I'll look that up" and then stop -- actually call the tool in the same response. The worst possible behavior is describing what you would do without doing it.