diff --git a/skills-manifest.json b/skills-manifest.json
index ec3874ae536..73c02687c01 100644
--- a/skills-manifest.json
+++ b/skills-manifest.json
@@ -14,11 +14,11 @@
       "files": 2
     },
     "general-video": {
-      "hash": "f288a7bc7eb1a1cf",
+      "hash": "9e4aa19a49b2b561",
       "files": 6
     },
     "hyperframes": {
-      "hash": "44700184328c21b5",
+      "hash": "431c3a5bce8497ff",
       "files": 31
     },
     "hyperframes-animation": {
diff --git a/skills/general-video/SKILL.md b/skills/general-video/SKILL.md
index 4ee2d13d01a..4b7b7836a89 100644
--- a/skills/general-video/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/general-video/SKILL.md
@@ -155,6 +155,7 @@ A run is complete only when:
 
 - requested scope is implemented;
 - for `flow: companion`, the treatment is delivered, not just the scope: every scene's cited blueprint or rules realized, the audio identity present (or the silence chosen and said), the open and close designed rather than defaulted;
+- when `narration` is `yes` or `minimal`, `index.html` carries the voice track; a missing track blocks render;
 - `npx hyperframes check` passes, including its built-in lint stage;
 - design adherence is reviewed against `/hyperframes-creative` → `references/design-adherence.md` when a design spec exists;
 - contrast findings are resolved;
diff --git a/skills/hyperframes/references/brief-contract.md b/skills/hyperframes/references/brief-contract.md
index eec0e03f44e..554785ad525 100644
--- a/skills/hyperframes/references/brief-contract.md
+++ b/skills/hyperframes/references/brief-contract.md
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ Ask only fields used by the selected route. Route entries identify their must-ha
 | `audience`    | Who will watch                                                 | Infer when clear. Ask only when a different answer changes the story or terminology.                                                                |
 | `message`     | The one thing the video must communicate                       | Derive and echo one sentence. Do not storyboard until this is clear.                                                                                |
 | `angle`       | Route-specific story shape                                     | Recommend one route-defined option with a reason.                                                                                                   |
-| `narration`   | `yes`, `minimal`, or `no`, plus route-specific modes           | Follow the selected route.                                                                                                                          |
+| `narration`   | `yes`, `minimal`, or `no`, plus route-specific modes           | Follow the route and its workflow. If neither sets a default, infer from the request and state it. Ask only when unknown and it changes the build.  |
 
 ### Remembered defaults
 
diff --git a/skills/hyperframes/references/routes/general-video.md b/skills/hyperframes/references/routes/general-video.md
index d3e7c2d2b87..fb6ba6b64ad 100644
--- a/skills/hyperframes/references/routes/general-video.md
+++ b/skills/hyperframes/references/routes/general-video.md
@@ -8,5 +8,6 @@
 
 - **Open-ended requests only:** first derive a one-sentence `message`. Ask `audience` only when it is unclear and would change the story or terminology. Ask `destination` only when it would change aspect or composition. Ask for a priority only when the brief contains a real trade-off. Default to one best version; ask about variations only when the user requests options or comparison.
 - **Specific requests:** a complete ask such as "a static title card with our logo for a website hero" needs no discovery questions.
+- **Conditional:** a multi-scene or longer piece with no voice signal adds **`narration`** — narrated or silent? Otherwise infer it and state it: a title card, poster, or loop is `no`; a requested voiceover is `yes`.
 - **Pitch round:** `message` — the unformed open-ended request is this round's home case.
 - **Run-shape:** both questions apply. `/general-video` is also the companion host, so `flow: companion` stays on this route with the full toolbox.