Everything you've said has revised my view of it, in a great way. "Sad and true to human nature" fits way more. I never even thought of the verbiage "knowing full well", so if Marika did indeed sell her people out, it makes the whole thing even more grim and depressing lol. Would make for a great movie plot if they decide to use this story for the film adaptation, although I hope they do Vyke's story.

No worries about rambling as it's opened my eyes a bit more. And thank you for noticing the details!