Le baiser de l'araignée

The way elemental abilities are woven into the story kept me intrigued, but I had to re-read some parts to fully grasp the rules. Was this intentional or did it evolve during writing?

Her actions often tread the line between survival and cruelty. I'm curious whether others see her as a hero or antihero in this world.

The dark, urban atmosphere adds so much to the story. I wonder if the author based it on a real city or created it entirely from imagination.